Tonye Cole carpets Rivers State government over withdrawal of criminal case

All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Rivers State, Tonye Cole has berated the state government over its volte face and withdrawal of criminal case against him and Rotimi Amaechi, former governor of the state.

Governor Nyesom Wike had accused Cole and Amaechi of criminality and diversion of $50million belonging to the government in a privatisation of power plant deal. Wike had used every opportunity and a judicial panel of inquiry to indict Cole and Amaechi, the immediate past Minister of Transportation of corruption.

The government for want of diligent prosecution withdrew the case from court on Thursday in Port Harcourt.

In a broadcast to the people and his supporters after the court proceeding, Cole berated Governor Wike for using the judiciary as instrument of intimidation adding that the judiciary has proved that it is upright.

The APC governorship candidate also used the broadcast to mobilise his supporters and assured them that he is determined to win the coming election with a promise to be firm and resolute.

“As you have probably heard, the Rivers State government recently withdrew the case it instituted against my person for lack of merit.

“The state government had hoped they would be able to use their power to intimidate the judiciary to do their bidding, but we are grateful that our judiciary has shown itself to be upright and above reproach.

“The agents of the state government were loud when they approached the court, but with the judiciary having shown it cannot be used to fight political battles, the state government has quietly withdrawn their case, without any of the usual fanfare.

“I salute the courage of our judiciary and commend it’s leadership for the message of incorruptibility which they have sent to everyone who thought they could pervert justice through intimidation.

“This election is different – it is about the people of Rivers State. My people, I am for you and support your aspiration to escape poverty through better education, employment opportunities and access to healthcare for you and your families. If our families prosper, River State prospers, so my entire movement is to make this shared prosperity a reality in all of our communities.

“There will be more battles ahead, but I will stand for you, my people, emboldened by your support and belief in our movement.

“For anyone seeking to intimidate any law abiding supporters around the state, you will find our resistance swift and firm. God bless Rivers State, God bless Nigeria,” he said.