Rivers State Governor has denied reports by Sahara Reporters, accusing him of of bribing the former Chairman of the Tribunal hearing the Rivers state Governorship Election Petition, Justice Mu’azu Pindiga with 200 Hundred Millioin Naira, thus leading to his replacement by the President of the Court of Appeal Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa,based on a purported finding by the DSS, is not only false but most unfortunate and reckless.
The Governor made this known via a statement released on his behalf by his Senior Special Assistant and Publicity Mr.Opunabo Inko-Taria and made available to PUO REPORTS,the governor berated Sahara Reporters over the reports which has increased suspicion in some quaters over the independent of the Judiciary.
The statement Reads:
“It is the height of unproffessional reportage which is not only politically sponsored but aimed at defaming the person and the the respected office of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Rivers state and Rivers people in general.
It is also important to note that such toxic reportage as lacking in facts and evidence, other than fabricated hearsay from fictitious sources, will not be tollerated as Sahara Reporters risk possible litigation from the Governor of Rivers state, Nyesom Wike who has remained resolute in seeking redress in courts and the rule of Law other than doing the contrary. their claim that he purportedly transferred the said amount through his lawyers is also untrue as there was no such transaction and will never be.
However, the report by this unruly so-called media platform, Sahara Reporters whose stock in trade and product for sale are blackmails and propaganda against responsible Nigeria, have along with their sponsors conveyed a message that they lack confidence in the Nigerian Judiciary and Judicial officers particularly when it stated in the said report that Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa is known for bribery and corruption. This again is regrettable as it has lost every sense of decorum and thrown caution to the wind by dragging such a highly reverred judicial officer to its arena of gossip and character assasination.
Sahara Reporters is put to the strictest proof of this baseless and unfounded allegation.
His Excellency Nyesom Wike, known for his uprightness being a Lawyer himself, and a prudent manager of resources as shown in his dogged fight against corruption has continued to triumph over every attempt to damage his hard earned reputation. No amount of these cheap and petty blackmails and circulation of patent falsehood will deter him from uncompromisingly sticking to truth. The statement concluded
WHY DON'T YOU SUE SAHARA REPORTERS IF WHAT THEY HAVE REPORTED IS FALSE. THE ACCUSATION IS GRAVE ENOUGH TO WARRANT THAT.