Pro-Democracy Coalition Celebrates Appeal Court’s Confirmation of Governor Fubara’s Election Victory

A coalition comprising 100 pro-democracy groups has expressed satisfaction with the Appeal Court’s decision, which solidified Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s election triumph in Rivers State.

In a unanimous ruling on Tuesday, the Appeal Court upheld the verdict of the Rivers State Governorship Election Tribunal, dismissing four appeals challenging Governor Fubara’s victory.

Petitions lodged by Tonye Cole (All Progressives Congress), Beatrice Itubo (Labour Party), Innocent Ekwu (Allied People’s Movement), and Lulu Briggs Dumo (Accord Party) were all rejected by the Tribunal.

Undeterred, the opposition parties pursued the matter to the Appeal Court, where the initial decision was confirmed. Governor Fubara, representing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), emerged as the rightful winner of the March 18 gubernatorial polls.

Responding to the judgment, the coalition issued a statement on Wednesday through its spokesman, Barrister Francis Nwogu.

Nwogu emphasized that the court’s decision validated Fubara’s election, attributing the victory to the governor’s dedication, vision, and unwavering commitment to the people of Rivers State.

The statement commended the judiciary’s diligence in reaching this conclusion, asserting that the affirmation of the victory showcased the evolving and trustworthy nature of the country’s judicial system.

Nwogu further highlighted the resilience of the justices against external pressures, including blackmail, intimidation, and a campaign of calumny, emphasizing that the judiciary remains the last hope of the common man.