Give Up As Rivers Won’t Rerun Election – Wike Urges Peterside

Governor Chief Nyesom Wike of Rivers state has told the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2015 governorship election, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, not to waste time on political campaigns as the state won’t rerun the election.

In a statement made on Tuesday, Novermber 3, and signed by his media assistant, Simeon Nwakaudu, Wike explained that the APC leader’s action could heat the polity.

Wike, who said Peterside embarked on an illegal campaign, disclosed that his lawyers were concluding the appeal process to challenge the ruling of the Justice Suleiman Ambrosa-led Rivers State Governorship Election Tribunal.

He noted that the ruling, which was premised on card reader accreditation and hearsay testimonies, had already been expunged from the tribunal’s records by the Court of Appeal.

The statement says: “The defeated Rivers state APC governorship candidate, Mr. Dakuku Peterside, should desist from self-deceit and unnecessary political campaigns as there will be no rerun of the governorship election in Rivers State.

“We understand the desperation of Mr. Peterside as he is merely dancing to the tunes being played by external forces who want their filthy hands on the resources of Rivers State like they did under the failed administration of Rotimi Amaechi.

“The people of Rivers State voted overwhelmingly for Governor Wike on April 11 and 12. The earlier Mr. Peterside comes to terms with this fact, the better for him and his political party.

“The use of falsehood and propaganda will not take Peterside anywhere near the Government House, Port Harcourt. Governor Wike has the mandate of the people of Rivers State and this will be reaffirmed in the appeal process.

“Governor Wike will complete his first term on May 28, 2019 as endorsed by the people of Rivers State, ordained by God, which will be reaffirmed by the appellate process.”

Reacting to the statement, the state publicity secretary of the APC, Chris Finebone, said Wike should stop playing God. He also said the governor should allow the Appeal Court to do their work.