Rivers Rerun: We Have Accepted Supreme Court’s Verdict – Peterside

In a statement he personally signed, Peterside thanked God for directing him towards the pursuit of justice in the court, adding that he is confident that he fought a good fight.

He said, “My associates and I are grateful to God for directing us to pursue justice in the courts rather than resort to self-help. We magnify our God for giving us the will and the support of Rivers people to maintain the legal battle.

“As a people who believe in the law, we fought a good fight; we won some of the legal battles along the way. For this we thank our legal team for the diligence with which they conducted the case.

“Nevertheless, the Supreme Court has differed from our position. Still, we thank God for giving us the stoicism to accept the verdict. Indeed, our God deserves praise for reminding us that as His children we should respect and honour even our earthly authorities. It is a further reminder that His will is best in all things for His glory and the greater good of humanity.

“We thank Nigerians, especially Rivers people who have stood by us during this legal odyssey spanning approximately 10 months. We urge all our supporters to take a cue from us in accepting this verdict, without more. We invoke in you the spirit of stoicism and compassion. Even if you are taunted by people who do not understand the ways of God, keep calm and be motivated by the greater good in all your actions.

“Our decision to serve Rivers State was borne out of a passion to uplift our people; to clothe them with dignity on the twin planks of social and economic prosperity. We anchored this promise on the platform of unity. Consequently, we never ceased to remind ourselves that we are GREATER TOGETHER. A Supreme Court verdict that goes against our prayer is a veritable opportunity to demonstrate how dearly we hold the greater together creed.

“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.

“When encouragement is needed towards a just and proper course of dealings, we will offer our commendation to the government. Conversely, we will constructively express objection to policies and actions we consider inimical to the overall interest of Rivers people. It is our hope that Governor Wike and his team will appreciate the suggestions and proposals that would be made in the interest of Rivers people. If we sometimes sound strident, he should pay heed to the message of passionate and zealous Rivers people rather than dismiss the messenger.”