By Kamsi Anayo
Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers state, has said his victory at the Supreme Court has laid to rest the legal battles that added to the distractions his administration grappled with in the last eight months.
He, however, declared his resolve to remain committed to the purpose for which he was elected, saying he would not allow anything to distract governance of the state.
The Supreme Court, on Thursday, dismissed an appeal by the All Progressives Congress candidate in the Rivers State governorship election, Tonye Cole.
Cole asked the apex court to sack Fubara as governor of the state.
Reading the lead judgment on Thursday, Justice Ibrahim Saulawa dismissed Cole’s appeal.
The five-man panel of the apex court in a unanimous decision held that the appellant failed to prove his allegations that there was non-compliance with the Electoral Act during the election.
He alleged that the election was marred by irregularities and that Fubara did not validly resign his previous position as required by the law, before the election.
Both the tribunal and the Court of Appeal dismissed his case for want of merit.
But reacting to the Supreme Court judgment which affirmed his election in Port Harcourt on Thursday, Fubara said, “About an hour ago, the Supreme Court revalidated our mandate in the election. It is a victory for the entire state.
“It is important for us to note that we need this victory to consolidate the purpose of governance. Prior, to this, we have had a few distractions here and there.
“And the good news that came to us this morning is a refreshing strength that will encourage us to continue the good works in governance.”
Fubara thanked God and President Bola Tinubu for his fatherly role concerning the internal crisis and the litigation against his election.
He also extended gratitude to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, whom he described as his “Oga” for all his support.
The governor called on everyone to join hands with his administration to build a competitive state that will be reckoned with as truly prosperous in all ramifications.
“We have a dream of making it a highly competitive state that will measure, if not up to Lagos but close to becoming like Lagos. We can only achieve this in an atmosphere of peace.
“So I am calling on everyone, not just on our internal issue but those members from other parties, the issue is settled, come and let’s build the Rivers state of our dream.
“We will continue to protect and provide the basic needs of governance to everyone who is doing business and who lives in Rivers State.
“We will address our state very soon on the victory, but for now, let everybody be happy that one elephant is out of the road, the other one, by God’s help, will be resolved amicably and the family will be one,” he said.