Rivers gov poll wike appeals tribunal judgment

You're referring to the recent judgment of the Rivers State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.

To bring you up to speed, the tribunal had earlier dismissed the petition filed by the candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Biokpomabo Awara, challenging the victory of Governor Nyesom Wike of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 governorship election in Rivers State.

On Monday, November 22, 2021, the tribunal delivered its final judgment, upholding the election of Governor Wike and dismissing the petition filed by Awara.

Here are the key points from the judgment:

  1. The tribunal held that the petitioners failed to prove their allegations of irregularities and non-compliance with the Electoral Act during the election.
  2. The tribunal also dismissed the petitioners' claims of massive rigging and manipulation of the election results.
  3. The tribunal ruled that the election was conducted in accordance with the Electoral Act and the guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
  4. The tribunal further held that the petitioners failed to provide sufficient evidence to support their claims of electoral fraud and malpractices.
  5. As a result, the tribunal upheld the election of Governor Wike and dismissed the petition filed by Awara.

Reacting to the judgment, Governor Wike expressed gratitude to God and the people of Rivers State for their support, saying that the judgment has vindicated his administration's commitment to the rule of law and democracy.

On the other hand, the candidate of the AAC, Biokpomabo Awara, has vowed to appeal the judgment at the Court of Appeal, saying that the tribunal's decision is a miscarriage of justice.

The judgment has been widely welcomed by many in Rivers State, who see it as a validation of the democratic process and a reaffirmation of Governor Wike's legitimacy as the elected governor of the state.

What do you think about the judgment? Do you have any questions or concerns about the Rivers State governorship election?