The Rivers Elders and Leadership Forum (RIVLEF) has declared its support for Gov. Siminalayi Fubara amidst the escalating political tensions in the state.

This despite the Appeal Court judgment dismissing an appeal filed by Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers to challenge the lower court judgment affirming Martin Amaewhule-led Rivers House of Assembly.

A three-member panel of justices, in a unanimous judgment,  held that the appeal was bereft of merit.

The panel, upheld the judgment delivered by Justice James Omotosho of a Federal High Court in Abuja on Jan. 22.

The court had declared that Fubara, having withdrew his counter affidavits and other processes filed at the lower court, cannot come by way of appeal to revive a matter that had been terminated.

The court held that since the appellant (Fubara) did not challenge all the facts presented by the respondents (the house of assembly and the 12 pro-Wike lawmakers) at the lower court, it meant that those facts stand unchallenged.

The court held that since the appellant (Fubara) did not challenge all the facts presented by the respondents (the house of assembly and the 12 pro-Wike lawmakers)   at the lower court, it meant that those facts stand unchallenged.

According to the appellate court, you cannot place something on nothing.

The panel, who dismissed the appeal, ordered Fubara to pay each of the 13 respondents the sum of N500, 000 each.

Despite the judgment, RIVLEF Chairman, Chief Rufus Ada-George, announced the forum’s position of backing Fubara during a news conference on Thursday in Port Harcourt.

Ada-George praised Fubara for demonstrating courage and maintaining a peaceful stance despite unwarranted provocations by certain politicians in Rivers.

“We commend Fubara for his courage and determination in standing firm and resolute in defending the interests of the people of Rivers state.

“The governor, his team and the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) have been bold in upholding democracy and democratic values.’’

Ada-George, a former governor of Rivers, expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his interventions aimed at reducing political tensions in the state.

He, however, criticised the president for allegedly failing to admonish the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for his role in the crises.

“President Tinubu has called for peace and advised aggrieved political parties and individuals dissatisfied with the outcome of the local government elections to seek redress through the courts.

“However, the failure to mention Wike, a key figure in the political crises, sends the wrong signal.’’

The chairman remarked that the battle for political structures and influence in the state was over, as the people had made their choices in the recently concluded local government elections.

He noted that the people were the true custodians of political structures and urged dissenting voices to remain silent.

“The people of Rivers have now restructured and any resort to violence and arson will not benefit us.

“Therefore, we call on the police to promptly implement President Tinubu’s directive to secure local government offices, maintain law and order and protect lives and property,” he advised.

Ada-George further commended residents of the state for their active participation and peaceful conduct during the elections.

Dr Gariel Toby, a former Deputy Governor in Rivers, expressed confidence in the policy’s ability to maintain peace in the state.

He reaffirmed the forum’s trust in the law enforcement agencies’ ability to carry out their duties despite concerns over police partisan actions prior to the elections.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the forum’s membership includes prominent national figures such as retired Rear Adm. Ochegomie Fingesi, former member of the Armed Forces Ruling Council.

Others are retired Group Capt. John Kalio, former Military Administrator of Yobe, Sen. Andrew Uchendu, foremost environmental and rights activist, Annkio Briggs, and Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, among others. NAN