Delta State Government Clarifies Appeal Court Decision, Denounces “Fake News”

ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State, Thursday, was abuzz with rumors and speculations regarding the election of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori following reports that the Appeal Court sitting in Abuja had overturned his victory. However, the state government swiftly moved to quash these claims, asserting that no such verdict had been delivered by the court.

In response to the swirling controversy, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, issued a statement from Asaba, the state capital, vehemently refuting the alleged court decision. According to Ahon, the Appeal Court’s ruling pertained solely to ordering the tribunal to hear the case, dispelling any notion that Mr. Ken Pela of the Labour Party had been declared the winner of the 2023 Governorship election in Delta State.

“We have been inundated by reports from a section of the media that the Appeal Court had declared Mr. Ken Pela of the Labour Party as the winner of the 2023 Governorship election in Delta State,” Ahon declared in his statement. “The report is nothing but fake news as the Appellate Court only ordered the tribunal to hear the case.”

Ahon continued by emphasizing that the election results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) clearly indicated Governor Oborevwori’s victory. He stressed that the Labour Party did not secure a win in the election and, therefore, could not expect to prevail in the court.

The Chief Press Secretary urged supporters of Governor Oborevwori and the people of Delta State to disregard the alleged reports, characterizing them as a fabrication by the Labour Party and its followers. He also called for calm among the populace, reassuring them that Governor Oborevwori remained committed to delivering the dividends of democracy and was not swayed by the rumors.

As the government evaluates the Appeal Court judgment, Ahon hinted that legal action might be taken, indicating that the administration was prepared to protect its mandate.

In conclusion, while uncertainty briefly loomed over Delta State, the official statement from the Chief Press Secretary sought to dispel any misconceptions and reaffirm the legitimacy of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s election, insisting that the rule of law would prevail in the end.