5th September, 2023
By Okafor Ofiebor/Port Harcourt
Governor Siminalayi Fubara has put Rivers state under high security alert to forestall any break down of law and order ahead of judgment of the Presidential Election Petition Court, PEPC, on Wednesday, September 6.
Governor Fubara, in a statement he personally signed, expressed concerns about reports of threats to law and order by supporters of some presidential candidates who may be dissatisfied with the judgment of the Tribunal.
He warned that election petitions and their outcomes are part of the country’s democratic process anchored on the rule of law and the majesty of the judicial system as the peaceful and final arbiter of social disputes.
Fubara therefore cautioned those who may be disappointed by tomorrow’s judgement not to resort to violence.
He counselled that there is a further opportunity to exercise their right of appeal at the Supreme Court where they will be bound by the final decision and outcome.
According to the Governor,”As citizens, we are all bound by the rule of law, which gives no room or opportunity for violence and threat to public safety, peace and security in our democratic contestations for political power and the right to govern the people.
“Accordingly, while the Rivers State Government recognizes the protest right of citizens, it will not tolerate any illegal and unnecessary protest actions that negate the rule of law and undermine our collective rights to peace and security.
“We, therefore, advise presidential candidates and their political parties to call their supporters and activists to order and ensure that they avoid actions that are capable of disrupting public safety, peace and security in Rivers State.
“We wish to inform the public that we have placed security agencies on the highest level of alert and directed them to take all necessary measures to forestall any security breaches in Rivers State before, during and after the judgement.
The Governor pointed the government is satisfied with the assurances from the security agencies and the proactive measures they are taking to safeguard lives and property and sustain peace and security throughout the state.
He urged residents to continue to be law-abiding and go about with their lawful activities without fear for their safety as adequate measures are in place to nip any security threat in the bud.
However, he implore everyone not to hesitate to report any suspicious gatherings or activities around them to the attention of the security agencies for immediate action.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara press statement:
PRESS STATEMENT
THREAT TO LAW AND ORDER OVER THE JUDGMENT OF THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION PETITION TRIBUNAL
The Rivers State Government is concerned about the reported threats to law and order by supporters of the presidential candidates who may be dissatisfied with the outcome of the judgment of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, scheduled for tomorrow 6th September 2023.
2. Election petitions and their outcomes are part of the country’s democratic process which is anchored on the rule of law and the majesty of our judicial system as the peaceful and final arbiter of social disputes.
3. Those who may be disappointed by tomorrow’s judgement have the further opportunity to exercise their right of appeal at the Supreme Court where they will be bound by the final decision and outcome.
4. As citizens, we are all bound by the rule of law, which gives no room or opportunity for violence and threat to public safety, peace and security in our democratic contestations for political power and the right to govern the people.
5. Accordingly, while the Rivers State Government recognizes the protest right of citizens, it will not tolerate any illegal and unnecessary protest actions that negate the rule of law and undermine our collective rights to peace and security.
6. We, therefore, advise presidential candidates and their political parties to call their supporters and activists to order and ensure that they avoid actions that are capable of disrupting public safety, peace and security in Rivers State.
7. We wish to inform the public that we have placed security agencies on the highest level of alert and directed them to take all necessary measures to forestall any security breaches in Rivers State before, during and after the judgement.
8. We are satisfied with the assurances from the security agencies and the proactive measures they are taking to safeguard lives and property and sustain peace and security throughout the state.
9. We urge residents to continue to be law-abiding and go about with their lawful activities without fear for their safety as adequate measures are in place to nip any security threat in the bud.
10. However, we implore everyone not to hesitate to report any suspicious gatherings or activities around them to the attention of the security agencies for immediate action.
Thank you and may God bless Rivers State
Signed
His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS
Governor of Rivers State
Tuesday, September 5, 2023.