‘Two issues are at stake at this time” – Tonye Cole

The Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Tonye Cole, has assured members of the party of his resolve to remove every impediment placed on his path to victory.
He made this known via a press statement issued by the Spokesperson of his campaign organisation, Chief Ogbonna Nwuke, in Port Harcourt today, shortly after the ruling by the Court of Appeal.
Noting that his legal team is on top of the situation, he said “We have studied the rulings of the Court Appeal delivered today. Our lawyers have briefed us that the judgment of the Rivers State High Court and the delay by the same court to avail the APC of its decision within time has remained a major legal obstacle.
By the grace of God, these impediments that have been placed on our path by cunning and crafty anti – democratic forces shall be removed.
‘Based on our understanding of the positions which came to light at the Court of Appeal, it is necessary to note that the application for joinder filed by the flag bearer of the APC, Pastor Tonye Cole which would have provided sufficient grounds legally for his effective defence has been disallowed by the Court of Appeal.
However one appeal challenging the judgement in favour of the PDP earmarked for hearing has been adjourned to March 6, 2018 for further hearing. We are confident that at the end of the day, their Lordships would deal expeditiously with the merit of the matters that are before them. Justice delayed is not justice denied.
‘Two issues are at stake at this time. The first is the right of the people of Rivers State to freely choose who should govern them without recourse to all kinds of technicalities, including but not restricted to the courts.
The second issue to look at is the right of political parties to produce candidates of their choice without any inhibition. We shall reserve our comments on this aspect for another day.
We pray that the judiciary would realise that what is playing out in the court room goes far beyond the interests of the APC and PDP.
‘These conflicts in court equally touch on the aspiration of the Rivers people. The Rivers people are craving for good governance. They are asking for effective representation and their right in a democracy to choose who should serve them.
‘Our supporters have remained steadfast. They have demonstrated an uncommon commitment in pursuit of their membership and support of the APC. The APC is greatly appreciative of the the high morale of its membership despite all odds.
We urge our membership to hold unto their faith and belief in the APC mantra and the ability of our leaders to take us to the promised land. We have said before now that we shall not give up. Today, we state without equivocation  that we will not give up.
‘Whatever happens, we are in this fight because of our supporters. We want to assure all APC members and their supporters that the party will remain resolute in its determination to pursue justice for all through legitimate means”, he disclosed.