The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Rivers State, Tonye Cole, has reacted to the decision of the State Government to withdraw the criminal charges it filed against him ahead of the 2023 election.

Cole, in a broadcast at the weekend, alleged that the government initially hoped to intimidate the judiciary to do its bidding in the case.

He, however, commended the judiciary for choosing to be upright and above reproach, a situation he said compelled the government to quietly withdrew the matter.

Cole said: “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but with the judiciary having shown it cannot be used to fight political battles, the state government has quietly withdrawn their case, without any of the usual fanfare.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”.

Cole said the forthcoming election was about the people and promised to eradicate poverty if elected as Governor.

He said: “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”. (The Nation)

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