As Supreme Court Judgment Averts Bloodshed
THERE had been palpable tension in Rivers State due to the festering legal tussle over the governorship election in the state. Residents feared that more lives may be lost, if another election was held in the oil rich state. Over 100 deaths were recorded in the April poll that brought in Nyesom Wike of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as governor.

The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dakuku Peterside, not satisfied with the outcome of the election had launched a legal challenge on the ground that it violated electoral guidelines. The lower election tribunal and appellate court annulled the election and ordered a fresh exercise. APC supporters, meanwhile, threw parties across the state, hopeful that if the Supreme Court ruled in their favour, their candidate, Peterside, would emerge winner in a rerun.

As supporters of both parties waited, many residents were bothered, not about who won but about the safety of life and property. Some, after the festive holidays, went as far as refusing to bring back their families to the state. Many businessmen and women also suspended plans, as they watched to see how events would unfold. The apex court on Wednesday, however, upheld the election of Governor Wike, causing jubilation across the state, and an end to the great apprehension.

Many who spoke to The Guardian on the outcome of the judgment described it as the best thing that has ever happened to the state, adding that it would help Rivers to heal and return to normalcy. Few others, possibly, APC supporters, were, however, unhappy. They argued that the governorship election was marred by irregularities, violation of electoral laws and killings. Some people declined to comment.

“We are happy,” said Charles Nkpe. “There is peace in Rivers State now and we can sleep with our eyes closed. If the Supreme Court had ruled otherwise, there would have been much trouble; it was clear that there was already tension in various parts of the state.”

For Emmanuel Johnson, “What has happened is for the good of the state; it will help to normalise things because the state has been in a crisis situation a long time.” Victoria Kparaba said: “Normalcy has returned. Our joy knows no bound; people are happy.”

But Mr. Basil Brown pointed out that the judgment was based on emotion, was biased, and was a deviation from what happened during the election. He said: “We all are aware of what happened in the state during the election. Voting did not take place at all in Rivers State. What we saw were soldiers taking over polling units and election results written in schools and houses. The judges passed the ruling based on emotion, and in consideration of the fact that more lives could be lost. It is obvious; Wike did not win the election.”

For Mr. Eze, a civil servant, “The state has become peaceful. Both of them, Wike and Peterside, should come together to move the state forward.”

Also speaking, Chief Chukwuemeka Ojiofor said: “The Supreme Court judgment has settled our minds. There had been fear and tension. The judgment was excellent, but our utmost request is for Governor Wike to stop cultism in the state. For over a year, now, I have not been able to go to my Ubima hometown in Ikwere Local Government Area due to gang battles.”

An ex-militant leader, Tom Ateke, told journalists that the Supreme Court judgment had prevented bloodshed in the state. According to him, “When two people fight, at least, there must be a winner. So, they (APC) should wait for another time. They should try and give peace a chance. The way man thinks is not the way God thinks. I was wondering what would have happened in Rivers State had the Supreme Court’s judgment come otherwise.

“The winner, Wike, is a man who is not known for problems at all. Within few months at the helms of the affairs, he carried people along; he is still himself. That’s the way God created him. He carries everybody along and does not discriminate against anyone.”

Meanwhile, thousands of civil servants on Thursday marched to the Government House, Port Harcourt where they celebrated Wike’s victory. The civil servants, led by the state’s Head of Service, Rufus Godwin, said they had come to show solidarity with Wike and declare unflinching support for his administration.

Godwin said despite the legal distraction, Wike had remained focused on the welfare of civil servants and pensioners. He recalled that during the last administration, the state government owed civil servants and a circular was issued banning them from gathering together to demand their right.

“Today, we are under a government that allows free gathering. And that is why we have come out to say that we are grateful to God for confirming that he has given us Governor Wike,” he said.

The commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Dr. John Bazia, commended the civil servants for showing love and solidarity to Wike for the victory.

Addressing the civil servants at Government House, Governor Wike, described his victory as victory for all.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Government House, Dr. Onyenachi Nwankwor, Wike said the solidarity visit by the civil servants showed they believed in the rule of law.

In his reaction, APC Chairman in the State, Davies Ikayna, said the party received with mixed feelings the Supreme Court judgment, and that the party can only give thanks and adoration to God whose wisdom is all surpassing, adding: “The APC would like to thank all our candidates in the race for the Senate, House of Representatives and Rivers State House of Assembly rerun elections. The party urges them to remain steadfast and resilient and work hard alongside the party to ensure that we win all the forthcoming rerun elections.”