Stakeholders made up of traditional rulers, elder statesmen, politicians, clergies and youth have urged Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, to continue in his developmental strides and not be distracted over the recent election tribunal judgement.
The stakeholders bared their mind shortly after Wike intimated them of current political developments in the state and his quest to continue delivering on his electoral promises.
Senator representing Rivers East in the National Assembly, Thompson George Sekibo commended the governor for his doggedness.
“This is the first time when a governor will come out on behalf of those elected and defend them with the best lawyers”, he said.
Sekibo while quoting some scriptures to back his views, observed, “we are on the side of God, this battle is for God, and because we have God, victory will surely come.”
He further enjoined the governor not to be distracted as the people are behind him.
On his part, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Ikuinyi Ibani, on behalf of the state lawmakers, thanked the governor for the vigour he displayed in pursuing the election matter at the tribunals.
Ibani stressed that the tribunal judgment will not discourage the Assembly from discharging its duties, while expressing hope that a favourable verdict awaits them at the appeals.
Acting National Chairman of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, while calling party faithful to be steadfast, stated that the current political challenges are a ploy by the ruling party to weaken the opposition.
Secondus warned against any action that will divide the party, as he advised members against spreading false information and rumours.
In his words, “We must stand up for our right so that we don’t go back to bondage.”
The Chairman of Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers and Amayanabo of Opobo, King Dandison Douglas Jaja pledged the support of the traditional rulers to ensure peace in their domains.
Jaja said that maintaining peace across the various localities was the responsibility of traditional rulers, and is also a “God given assignment.”
Former minister of transport, Dr Abiye Sekibo, lauded Wike for his courage to appeal the judgement, noting that since assuming office, the governor has displayed zeal and focus towards moving the state forward.
Sekibo added, “so far, so good. Your Excellency,  you have done well. We as Rivers people need to stand together and protect the interest of the state because the collective interest should supersede the interest of a few.”
While urging the governor not to rest on his oars in getting justice from the appellate courts, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Onueze C.J. Okocha, remarked that, “the elections have come and gone, and we are satisfied that we did not make a wrong choice.”
Okocha further charged the governor not to allow the current political developments to discourage him from governing the state, as according to him, “the Constitution and the Electoral Act give you powers to rule Rivers State until the appeals are exhausted.”
Speaking on behalf of the elders, Barine Wifa, another Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), stated that the people are ready to defend the mandate given to the governor, while calling for the review of the present federal system, which he said, was lopsided.
The former governor, Sir Celestine Omehia, urged the governor to build on his achievements.
Omehia opined that the interest of the state was paramount, adding that, “what is important is the development of Rivers State, and all of us have a duty to move the state forward.”
Speaking for the clergies in the state, Venerable Richard Opara, harped on the need for peace, saying, “let them allow peace to reign in Rivers State, no matter who is exercising power today, power comes from God.”
The former Caretaker Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Bright Amaewhule, said Rivers people have put all behind them, and are looking forward to a favourable verdict at the appeals.
Amaewhule enjoined all party faithful not to lose hope but to work hard to consolidate on the mandate of Governor Wike.
Earlier, Chief Nyesom Wike had dissociated himself from all negative statements regarding the recent nullification of his election as governor of Rivers State attributed to him by the media.
“In the past two days, you may have read on the front pages of newspapers where it was said that I used terms like “Judicial terrorism”, and “Judicial gang up” . I never said so. I never authorized anybody to speak on my behalf as far as that issue is concerned. When we had our thanksgiving last Sunday, I did say that we must not cast aspersions. People should control themselves and know that if you believe in God, you have nothing to fear,” Wike admonished.
Wike explained that people may have reacted to court ruling in different ways, adding that if one is dissatisfied with a particular ruling, he or she could go to the Court of Appeal to seek redress.
He stressed that even the All Progressives Party (APC) members had appealed the National Assembly rulings that were not in their favour.
He also explained that the paragraphs on crime and violence, which the Rivers State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal used as part of its judgement to nullify his election, were finally expunged by the Court of Appeal.
Wike remarked that seeking redress in Election Petitions Tribunal is part of the democratic process, and urged everybody to be calm, law abiding and go about their normal businesses and duties, because there is hope.
The state chief executive charged all traditional rulers to maintain peace in their respective domains.
The governor remarked that the spate of kidnappings and other vices in the state were because the state had received new security chiefs such as the new commissioner of police, director of State Security Services, Army, Navy and Air Force commanders, who are yet to master the terrain of Rivers State.
He said they should be supported with vital information when and where necessary because they cannot achieve it without God’s help.