The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the
2015 general election, Dakuku Peterside, has expressed readiness to offer
support to the Governor Nyesom Wike-led Rivers state government.
He made the pledge in his reaction to the Supreme Court verdict that upheld the election of Barr. N. Wike.
The APC candidate in the statement he personally signed said him and
his party will not fail to criticize Wike whenever government initiates
policies perceived to be against the interest of the people of the
state.
On the Supreme court judgment, the statement wondered the yardstick for the Judges resolution.
“The learned Justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria yesterday
January 27, 2016 upheld the declaration by the Independent National
Electoral Commission (INEC) that Chief Ezenwo Nyesom Wike won the April
11, 2015Governorship election in Rivers State. The decision was a
departure from the earlier findings of the Rivers State Governorship
Election Petition Tribunal and the Court of Appeal which had both agreed
with us that the conduct of the April 11, 2015 elections failed to
comply substantially with the requirements of the Electoral Act.
“This decision marks the culmination of a legal battle we instituted
not merely because we want power for its sake; but against the virus of
electoral violence that often thwarts the will of the people.
“My associates and I are grateful to God for directing us to pursue
justice in the courts rather than resort to self-help. We magnify our
God for giving us the will and the support of Rivers people to maintain
the legal battle.
“As a people who believe in the law, we fought a good fight; we won
some of the legal battles along the way. For this we thank our legal
team for the diligence with which they conducted the case.
“Nevertheless, the Supreme Court has differed from our position.
Still, we thank God for giving us the stoicism to accept the verdict.
Indeed, our God deserves praise for reminding us that as His children we
should respect and honour even our earthly authorities. It is a further
reminder that His will is best in all things for His glory and the
greater good of humanity.
“We thank Nigerians, especially Rivers people who have stood by us
during this legal odyssey spanning approximately 10 months. We urge all
our supporters to take a cue from us in accepting this verdict, without
more. We invoke in you the spirit of stoicism and compassion. Even if
you are taunted by people who do not understand the ways of God, keep
calm and be motivated by the greater good in all your actions.
“Our decision to serve Rivers State was borne out of a passion to
uplift our people; to clothe them with dignity on the twin planks of
social and economic prosperity. We anchored this promise on the platform
of unity. Consequently, we never ceased to remind ourselves that we are
GREATER TOGETHER. A Supreme Court verdict that goes against our prayer
is a veritable opportunity to demonstrate how dearly we hold the greater
together creed.
“Consequently, we shall do our best to work for the peace and
development of Rivers State and all who reside in it. We shall
creatively offer our help to Governor Nyesom Wike. We will provide a
virile opposition, serving as a mirror for the conscience of government,
in the interest of Rivers people.
When encouragement is needed towards a
just and proper course of dealings, we will offer our commendation to
the government.
“Conversely, we will constructively express objection to policies and
actions we consider inimical to the overall interest of Rivers people.
It is our hope that Governor Wike and his team will appreciate the
suggestions and proposals that would be made in the interest of Rivers
people. If we sometimes sound strident, he should pay heed to the
message of passionate and zealous Rivers people rather than dismiss the
messenger.
“Although we have accepted the Supreme Court verdict, it would be
remiss of me not to point out that this is also an opportunity for our
people to engage in deep introspection on the electoral process.
“Beyond party affiliation, must we continue to allow the electoral
process to be subject to the whims and caprices of anti-democratic
elements, especially those who deploy personal militia to molest and
even kill voters; those who hold the electoral umpire captive or
compromised; and thus generally prevent electoral outcomes reflective of
the will of the voters, as envisaged by law? It is understandable that
an attitude of cynical expediency in some politicians may inevitably
conclude that “the end justifies the means”.
“However, those who are governed by such a cynical mentality need to
be reminded that a huge moral burden would perpetually sour such
temporary “victories”. Like the myth of Sisyphus, it is surely a
backward slide in our political evolution. Let us think deeply please.
“Finally, I thank everyone who has supported us during this long and
arduous journey in the political evolution of Rivers State. May God
satisfy you with blessings from the depth of His unfathomable love, so
that you will eternally remain true to all that is noble and just.
Remember, we are ultimately greater together!”
![The Order of Service for the Solemnization of Holy Matrimony Between Eniyemamwen Olatoyosi Oyegun, Daughter of Chief John E.K. Odigie-Oyegun, National Chairman of All Progressive Congress [APC], and Flying Officer Umaso John Eketu, Son of of Chief Friday John Eketu, at Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral, GRA, And Reception Follows at the Haven Event Centre, GRA. Ikeja, Lagos on. 30th January, 2016. Pix: From Right: Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, APC, National Chairman, Bride Father, his wife, Newly Wedded Couple Umaso John Eketu and his wife Eniyemamwen Olatoyosi, Miss Ester Eketu, representing Groom's Mother and Chief Friday John Eketu, Groom's Fater, during the wedding Ceremony. Photo: Bunmi Azeez](http://cdn1.vanguardngr.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/yegun5.jpg)
Goodluck E. Jonathan
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