By Jimitota Onoyume

Governor Nyesom Wike  of Rivers State can  now  move into the Government House, otherwise known as Brick House, Port Harcourt, following the Supreme Court verdict which upheld his  appeal challenging the nullification of his election at the Appeal Court.

Since May 29 last year when he assumed office, Wike has operated from his private residence at Number 21 William Jumbo Street, old GRA, Port Harcourt. This is probably the first time an elected governor  of  the state, since 1999, will reside outside the Government House for this long. Many reasons have been given for the governor’s choice of residence.

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike acknowledging cheers from supporters at the Port Harcourt International Airport on Thursday upon his arrival to the state after the Appeal Court judgment.

Wike, on his part, said he had to stay away from his official residence because it was looted before he came on board, adding that he will only move in after renovation.

But some opposition politicians felt the governor tactically stayed away from the place because he was not sure of  what the outcome of petitions against his election might be at the court.

The All Progressives  Congress, APC, labeled him a  ‘Caretaker Governor’, thus lending credence  to the speculation that Wike was waiting for the final court verdict on his election before knowing what to do.

The Supreme Court verdict, which restored his mandate, has finally silenced all wagging tongues.

Before the apex court gave its ruling on Wednesday, supporters of Wike were seen dancing and jubilating in Town area of Port Harcourt, a situation that made residents to  demand to know if  verdict had been given on the appeal by the governor. Sunday Vanguard later gathered that the dancing and jubilation was triggered by information from the court premises in far away Abuja that the counsel to the governor dazzled the justices during his presentation.

“ When we heard this we had no choice but to start dancing because the direction of the judgement was clear”, one of the supporters said.

Rivers agog

When news finally filtered into Rivers State, at about 6.27pm, on Wednesday, that the   apex court had upheld the  appeal of Wike,  the state erupted in wild jubilation. Members of the PDP and admirers of the governor took to the streets, dancing. Fireworks rented the air as jubilant supporters of  Wike sang his praise.

Long walk to victory

The victory at the apex court did not come easy for the Wike. When he lost at the tribunal, the development shook his party, the PDP, to its foundation. Some of his loyalists were apprehensive. But the governor was undaunted  as he continued to reaffirm his faith in the judiciary.

He headed to the Appeal Court  to challenge the verdict. Wike and  the PDP leadership continued to enjoin their supporters  to remain calm.

Another shattering defeat

Wike suffered another defeat  at the Appeal  Court, this time with 21 members of his party in the House of Assembly, nine in the House of Representatives and all the three senators representing Rivers State at the Senate. It was a major blow because the lawmakers lost their seats automatically. The PDP was rattled.

A former aide to the governor, Mr Opunabo Nko-Tariah, resigned his appointment after the Appeal Court defeat. He cited  several reasons, some relating to funding for his office for his action.

Few days to  the Supreme Court  verdict, some members of  Wike’s  party also defected to the APC.   The general impression was that the governor and his party may crash at the apex court.

Shock

Secretary of the opposition  APC  in the state , Mr Emeka Bekee, told newsmen at the premises of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC on Wednesday, that the judgement was a shocker. “ We are shocked. But we accept the verdict since it came from the apex court “, he said.

Wike, Peterside react

Wike said the court victory was for democracy and people of the state. He thanked God for the judgement.

In a statement by his media aide, Mr Simeon Nwakaudu, the governor also commended the governorship candidate of the APC, in the 2015 poll, Dr Dakuku Peterside, for approaching the courts instead of resorting to violence. He further enjoined the APC and others to join in the drive to build Rivers.

Peterside, on his own, said his party will transform into a virile opposition in the state, promising that they will assist the state government where necessary in its development drive.

“Consequently, we shall do our best to work for the peace and development of Rivers State and all who reside in it. We shall creatively offer our help to Governor Nyesom Wike. We will provide a virile opposition, serving as a mirror for the conscience of government, in the interest of Rivers people”, the APC candidate said.

The Chairman of the PDP in the state, Mr Felix Obuah, hailed the judgement, saying the party was grateful to God for the victory. He urged everyone to join hands with the government to move the state forward.

On his part, the APC, in a statement signed by its state Chairman, Mr Davies Ikanya, urged members to   remain committed and united. He appealed to those who decamped to the party to remain firm. The party chief  further assured that that the APC will serve as a veritable opposition at the state level and provide a link between members and the APC-led Federal Government.

“The APC would continue to play the role of a responsible opposition party in Rivers State by protecting the peoples’ common interests and provide the bridge between our people and the APC Federal Government”, Ikanya said.

Meanwhile, many Rivers State residents, who spoke with Sunday Vanguard, said they were happy with the verdict because it had saved the state of another round of possible violence.

The Chairperson, Ijaw Mothers Union, Doris Mcdaniels, said mothers were happy as the court had saved children from violence.

“We thank God. We probably would have lost youths in a rerun governorship election,” Mcdaniels stated.