Nyesome Wike has characterized the yesterday’s ruling by the Election Petition Tribunal as a gang-up against him and Rivers state people.
It should be recalled that the Supreme Court on October 27 dismissed Governor Wike’s appeal. Previously, the petition challenging the election of Wike as Rivers governor was filed by Dakuku Peterside, the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress.
In reaction to the development, Wike insisted that the judiciary was setting a dangerous precedent in the country, Vanguard reports.
The politician’s position was made known on Tuesday through his media adviser Opunabo Nko-Tariah. The statement contained that Wike’s side would take further legal steps to defend the choice made by Rivers people during the April 11 polls.
“What is going on right now can best be described as judicial gang-up against Governor Wike, nay, the people of Rivers state. It is an affront on democracy and a blight disregard for the will of the people as evinced in the April 11 general elections.
“The courts are setting pernicious precedents by hinging their verdicts on inane points. Rivers people overwhelmingly gave their mandate to Governor Wike but a microscopic few want to wrest that mandate from him through the back door.”
Peterside, on his part, blasted Wike over attacking the judiciary when he spoke in Abuja following the court decision announcement. He was quoted as saying:
“The judiciary is a sacred and respected institution. Therefore, any person or persons who openly criticise judges and their rulings obviously have a sinister motive.
See the comment by the counsel to Peterside (the article continues below):
“However, it is gratifying to note that people are beginning to fully appreciate the character and temperament of the people we engaged during the last general elections in Rivers State. They are obviously finding it difficult to live under due process and the rule of law because they are used to impunity and violence, the two evils that were taken to new heights under the last government.
“If service is really the reason for being in politics, then it is tragic that these politicians are conducting themselves in such a spiteful manner. Nobody is above the law and when people openly and brazenly challenge institutions of state like the judiciary, it sends the wrong signal.
“The APC in Rivers state and its candidates took their losses at the various election petitions tribunals with equanimity, knowing full well that a window of opportunity still exists. Even when we felt very dissatisfied with the verdicts, we still did not abuse the judiciary or judges who handled our cases because we know the consequences of such defamatory actions.
“Wike and Rivers PDP are still living in the past but they should be reminded that Nigeria of today is a survivor because she defeated impunity and all the lawlessness of the last administration.”
Commenting on the verdict, the Peoples Democratic Party urged its members to remain calm and law-abiding. The PDP official expressed confidence that Wike would be victorious at the end of the day.
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