24th October, 2015
Dr Dakuku Peterside, governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress APC in the April election in Rivers has described the verdict of the Rivers State Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Abuja as victory not just for democracy but also for justice and the rule of law.
He said never again will elections be decided on the might of violence, adding that, the people of Rivers suffered under the Peoples Democratic Party.
“This judgment is resounding because at last, we are vindicated. The journey no doubt was tortuous but the suffering was worthwhile. It also shows that perseverance pays. This judgment no doubt also shows that we must continue to have faith in our judiciary as the last hope of the common man.
“I congratulate the good and long-suffering people of Rivers State for standing up to impunity, Executive rascality and intimidation of the highest order. As we look forward to a fair contest, I urge our people to be calm and to continue to pray for our dear state.
“Under the last administration, our people suffered all forms of indignities because of their political leaning. Democracy is essentially about freedom and we must never, under any circumstance lose our freedom again.
“This verdict has put a nail on the coffin of electoral rascality, electoral violence, election fraud and impunity. It has restored the faith of the resilient people of Rivers State in the electoral process as a fair means of choosing leaders. I particularly thank the people of Rivers State for their resilience throughout this period.
“Let us all join hands with the Buhari-led government as it tackles impunity, incompetence, unemployment and all the vices that remind us of the sorry story of our recent history. Surely, Rivers State is on the march again and we must all lend our support”