The Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum (RELEF) has said the judgement of the Supreme Court which upheld the election of Governor Siminalayi Fubara has calmed political tension in the state and the Niger Delta region.
The forum in a statement signed by former governor of Rivers State, Chief Rufus Ada-George and 22 others, said the judgment had laid to rest the era of strong men in the state.
The statement read in part: “Rising from an emergency meeting of Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum (RELEF) held on Thursday, the body reviewed current happenings in Rivers State, and came to the following conclusions;
“That the Supreme Court of Nigeria which is the apex temple of justice in Nigeria has spoken and therefore the forum invites all men and women of goodwill and responsible candour to obey its judgment.
“That based on the verdict of the Supreme Court, we in this Forum Congratulate Our Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, GSSRS and his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Ordu, DSSRS, on their victory at the various courts of law and thus wish them God’s guidance, protection and speed in the administration of our dear state.
“We also congratulate the Supreme Court for this excellent timeous determination of the electoral matters in Rivers State.
“The judgment has calmed the outstanding political tension in the state and indeed the Niger Delta. In this contest, there is no victor, no vanquished. All we crave for at this forum, is the sanctity of the laws of the country and the rule of law.
“This judgment lays to rest the era of strong men, but protects and encourages strong and viable institutions.
“The forum therefore calls on His Excellency, Governor Siminialayi Fubara to continue to: govern with the fear of God and in the dictates of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, govern with a large heart, accommodating all views, in the best interest of Rivers State.”
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