I have confidence in the judiciary, says Governor Wike

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared
that he has absolute confidence and respect for the Judiciary
to do justice in the state governorship legal tussle, pointing
out that based on the April 11 election, his mandate would be
upheld in the course of the Appeal process .
Also, Rivers State Stakeholders on Thursday declared that
they are solidly behind Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike who
was duly elected on April 11. The stakeholders included
elected senators, House of Representatives members,
traditional rulers, Elder statesmen and state legislators.
Speaking at the Stakeholders meeting at the Government
House, Port Harcourt, Governor Nyesom Wike advised the
people of the state never to criticise judges despite the
judicial setback, pointing out that the appeal process will
correct the judicial opinion of the state tribunal.
Governor Wike dissociated himself from a statement from
one of his aides describing the tribunal judgment as judicial
terrorism and gang-up. He said the aide had no mandate to
issue such a statement, noting that as a lawyer he respects
the judiciary and knows the appellate process to seek
redress.
“Be assured by the Grace of God our lawyers are working
hard to file the appeal within stipulated time. I have told
people that it is not in our character to cast aspersions on
judges. I have also told people not to speak on my behalf to
castigate judges. The tribunal is not the final appellate court
on this matter. There is no need of castigating the judiciary.
“We are not one of those when judgment favours you, you
says you have confidence in the judiciary. When it does not
favour you, you lose confidence in the judiciary.
“I want to say in the past two days, you must have read
where they quoted me as saying judicial terrorism or judicial
gang-up, I never said so. And I never authorised anybody to
say so on this matter”.
The governor noted that his team of lawyers are working
round the clock to complete the process of filing an appeal
against the judgment.
He assured the people that he is not distracted by the
judgment. The governor said he is emboldened by the
support of key stakeholders and the ordinary people to
continue to discharge his responsibility to the people.
Governor Wike told the stakeholders the Appeal Court
judgment of Thursday striking out the paragraphs of the APC
petition that alleged violence and crime against named and
un-named security agents and political thugs has
strengthened his case that will shortly go on appeal.
In his remarks, Acting National Chairman, Prince Uche
Secondus stated that the people are behind Governor
Nyesom Wike against the struggle by external forces to
invade the state.
Also speaking, Senator George Sekibo said that Governor
Wike was duly elected and his election will be updated in the
course of the course of the appeal.
Former Minister of Transport, Dr Abiye Sekibo, Former UBA
Chairman, Chief Ferdinand Alabrabra and Former NBA
President, Chief OCJ Okocha, on behalf of different sections
of the state declared the overwhelming support of the people
for the governor.