Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, on Sunday expressed confidence that his election would be upheld by the appelate court.
In a statement signed by Simeon Nwakaudu, his Special Assistant on Media, Wike said “the commencement of illegal political campaign by the defeated Rivers State APC Governorship Candidate, Mr Dakuku Peterside on Saturday is an action in self-delusion as the mandate freely given to Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike by Rivers people will be reaffirmed by the Appellate process.”
He said “contrary to the falsehood spread by Mr Peterside during his illegal political campaign on Saturday, Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike was duly elected by the people and has managed the resources of the state prudently, kickstarting an unprecedented development process which stands him out as the best governor in Nigeria today.
“Mr Peterside during his illegal campaign on Saturday lied about alleged loans he claimed Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike had taken. It is public knowledge that the elected Governor of Rivers State was compelled to take N30billion loan because the immediate past APC administration in the state crippled her finances, left the state in huge debts with months of unpaid salaries, pensions, unpaid scholarships, abandoned projects and a disillusioned populace.
“It was through brilliant financial prudence that the governor kick-started the state’s economy damaged by the immediate past governor and the Rivers APC .
“Indeed, Rivers State is one of the state that did not take the two tranches of the Federal Government bailout due to the Governor’s financial prudence and consideration for the future of the state’s economy.
“Some states took as much as N50b to stabilise their economies and struggle towards productivity. However, Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has maintained Rivers State as a development centre where execution of projects have been the cornerstone stone in five months.
“Mr Peterside’s illegal campaign is a wasted effort as the people of Rivers State took their position to vote out the APC on April 11 and 12. Rivers State is in safe hands and the people are enjoying the benefits of good governance after the ungodly locust years of Rivers State APC. The facts proved that the Rivers State APC suffered defeat during the governorship election. The tribunal judgment based on card reader accreditation and expunged hearsay allegations against named and un-named security agents and alleged political thugs will not stand the test of Appeal.
“Governor Wike has restored peace and security which have enabled Peterside to sneak into a serene state to engage in campaigns.
“He has redefined the development process in the state, turning the state into a mega construction centre, which is now the reference point of the country.
“Nigerians know the Rivers State APC and their governorship candidate as political nollywood practitioners who are comfortable with entertaining political spectators.
“However, the mess Rivers State APC left on ground is massive and Mr Peterside’s entertainment value is not needed at the moment as Governor Wike, duly elected by the people is very busy, working for the people. Governor Wike will exercise his mandate till 2019 when the people will again decide the direction of the state.”
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