The Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Barrister George Ariolu, has lauded the Supreme Court of Nigeria, for delivering a firm judgement on the disputed 17 oil wells involving Rivers and Imo states.
Ariolu, while addressing newsmen, yesterday, also hailed the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, for his bold and courageous approach towards recovering the state’s assets.
He described the verdict of the apex court as victory for the rule of law, democracy and the people of Rivers State.
Following the verdict by the apex court, he expressed optimism and confidence that Wike would continue to fight and win more battles in the interest of Rivers people.
Speaking further, he said the ultimate victory was another validation of Wike’s popularity among Rivers people, especially on his programmes, which have continued to impact positively on the people.
Describing Wike as an architect who has erected political structure for good governance, Ariolu urged Nigerians to support him, stressing that they should give the governor fresh mandate in 2023.
He, however, maintained that the recent verdicts of the Supreme Court have restored and re-affirmed the hope of the common man in the nation’s judicial sector.
Ariolu noted that the lawyers and judges who delivered the landmark ruling have written their names in gold, adding that they would be remembered as revered legal practitioners.
He said, “It is now glaring that the Judiciary is the last hope of the common man.
“We are very happy with the judgement given by the Supreme Court and that is why we are affirming our loyalty and commitment to the governor of the Rivers State.
“I think we are now having a Judiciary we are supposed to have.
“The Supreme Court has done the right thing by affirming that the 17 oil wells in dispute belonged to Rivers State,” he continued.
The council boss, who described the ruling as good development for the sustainability of the country’s democratic experiment, pointed out that the landmark judgement has relieved the state of oppression, pervasion of justice, disunity and disharmony.
Similarly, a frontline socio-cultural organisation in Niger Delta region, Movement for the Survival of Izon Ethnic Nationality in Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has commended Governor Nyesom Wike, over the Supreme Court judgement on 17 oil wells ruled in favour of the state.
The oil wells, the group said, were located in Ndoni and Egbema communities in Rivers State, respectively.
The group, in a statement by its Zonal Secretary, Godwin Opiuyo, commended the Judiciary for living up to its responsibility for fair judgement.
MOSIEND said the judgement brings to an end the lingering and prolonged boundary dispute between Rivers and Imo states.
The statement described Wike, a Presidential aspirant hopeful of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as not somebody you can intimidate, adding that Rivers properties remains safe under his care.
The group said they were pleased with the ceding of the 17 oil wells to Rivers State by the court judgement.
The statement commended Wike for resisting the forces of evil against the financial prosperity of Rivers State.
“We commend the Wike for his resolute in recovering the communities and the 17 oil wells for Rivers State”.
Opiuyo further appealed to the governor to make massive investment in human capital development across the 23 local governments of the state to reduce poverty.
MOSIEND said the proposed Wike decision to embark on stomach infrastructure is strategic and aimed alleviating poverty and improved lives amongst youths.
Recall that in 2019 there was a disputed 17 oil wells in Akri and some other communities when a presidential directive conjured a certain boundary adjustment arrangement that transfers all revenues accrued within those locations to our neighbouring Imo State.

By: Chinedu Wosu