Press Statement.
I appreciate God Almighty for the privilege He granted my petition to be heard.
I believe that the judgment of the Tribunal is for my good.
With much happiness and joy, I bring you good and encouraging massage that will strengthen you the more knowing that all is still well with respect to our fight for liberation and justice in Rivers State.
Just yesterday, the 5th of October, 2019, the election petition tribunal sitting in Port Harcourt dismissed my petition challenging the declaration of Gov. Wike as the duely elected governor of Rivers State.
In the wisdom of the panel, they didn’t see any merit on my petition, HENCE IT WAS DISMISSED.
The same panel sat and dismissed my petition without hearing it and I appeal to the Court of Appeal which ordered that the matter should be heard on its merit and we came back to the tribunal for hearing.
The way and manner the tribunal conducted itself from the beginning, shows bias which I have consistently complained about.
My happiness is that my petition has been heard and judgment given whether right or wrong. It is now time to test the decision of the tribunal on appeal. Don’t forget, the decision of the tribunal was reversed at the Appeal which gave rise to hearing my petition.
I am aware, that there was anguished expression yesterday in the entire Rivers State because of the decision of the tribunal, except for the little mini get together in Rivers State Government House. This has shown that Rivers people are really behind me and I have no reason to let them down.
After due consultations with relevant stakeholders, we have come to a conclusion, that I should appeal the judgment of the tribunal which was marred with irregularities and erroneous in law.
I promised never to betray Rivers people despite huge monetary advances towards me, which same was done to my former running mate, who could not stand the test of time and he collected the bribe.
I have fought a good fight of faith and will continue to fight till justice is done.
I, hereby, urge all Rivers people to be peaceful and calm as justice will not only be done but will be seen to have been done and we will rejoice together.
God willing, we shall get justice at the Court of Appeal and together, we shall be happier.
Engr. Biokpomabo Festus Awara,
2019 AAC Governorship Candidate,
Rivers State
6th Oct. 2019