Port Harcourt, Rivers State – Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State expressed his gratitude and dedication to his role as governor following the verdict of the state governorship election petitions tribunal, which upheld his election. The governor saw this as the beginning of the confirmation of the trust placed in him by the people of Rivers State.
In a brief thanksgiving service held at the Chapel of Everlasting Grace, Government House, Port Harcourt, Governor Fubara dedicated his victory to God and his predecessor, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The service was attended by members of the State Executive Council and political leaders.
Fubara reaffirmed his commitment to fulfilling the expectations of Rivers people during his administration and emphasized the importance of God’s role in his governance. He stated, “No matter how brief it is, it is just to say thank you to God our Father, thank you to God His Son, and thank you to the Holy Spirit who directs and guides us.” He also expressed his appreciation to Nyesom Wike for his support in achieving the victory
The governor called for continued support from the people of Rivers State and urged them to be patient as his government works towards delivering good governance that will improve their lives.
Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Labour Party (LP) in the state have announced their intentions to appeal the tribunal’s judgment. Tonye Cole, the APC governorship candidate, expressed his disagreement with the tribunal’s decision and stated his intention to take the case to the Supreme Court.
Similarly, the LP’s deputy governorship candidate, Sam Kinane, vowed to continue the legal battle. He emphasized the importance of seeking justice through the court system and indicated their intent to take the case to the Supreme Court as well.
The Rivers State Election Petitions Tribunal, sitting in Abuja, dismissed the petitions filed by the LP and the APC challenging Governor Fubara’s victory in the state’s gubernatorial election. Beatrice Itubo of the LP and Tonye Cole of the APC had contested the election results, but the tribunal upheld Fubara’s victory as governor under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).