The Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has issued a stern warning to supporters of presidential candidates in the last election who may be dissatisfied with the outcome of the judgment of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal scheduled for Wednesday, September 6.

Fubara, in a statement he personally signed, asked individuals who might be disappointed by the judgment to seek further redress by appealing to the Supreme Court instead of disrupting public peace.

He reminded residents that everyone is bound by the rule of law, which forbids violence and threats to public peace and security.

The governor emphasized that the state would not tolerate any illegal and unnecessary protests capable of negating the rule of law and undermining peace and security.

Fubara advised presidential candidates and their political parties to call on their supporters to ensure strict adherence to maintaining peace and order in the state.

He said, “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, September 6, 2023.

“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.

“Those who may be disappointed by tomorrow’s judgment 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.

“As citizens, we are all bound by the rule of law, which gives no room or opportunity for violence and threats 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.”

Fubara added: “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 judgment.

“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.

“We urge residents to continue to be law-abiding and go about their lawful activities without fear for their safety, as adequate measures are in place to nip any security threat in the bud.

“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.”

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