Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has called the appeal by Chief Timipre Sylva, the governorship candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the November 11, 2023, election, a needless distraction. Governor Diri’s reaction came shortly after the Appeal Court in Abuja dismissed Sylva’s application for lacking merit. He stated that the case was a distraction not only for him but for the entire state.
Governor Diri expressed no surprise at the outcome of the case, attributing it to the character of the APC candidate. He said, “It is a distraction not only to me but also to the government and people of the state. You also know the character of the person involved. So this is not unexpected. However, it is a victory for Bayelsa State, and I do not think I want to waste my time calling on anybody to work with us. They already said they are going to the Supreme Court. So, we will meet them there.”
The three-member panel of justices, led by Justice James Abundaga, unanimously decided that the appeal filed by Mr. Timipre Sylva and the APC lacked merit. The panel concluded that the tribunal was correct in striking several paragraphs of the petitioner’s reply against the governor’s election. Abundaga noted that the Bayelsa Governorship Election Tribunal, which sat in Abuja, was right to have struck out the appellants’ witness statements on oath. The judge described the act of filing several processes against the same judgment as an abuse of court process.
The panel further stated that the appellants failed to provide evidence showing that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines were tendered before the tribunal as proof of electoral malpractice. “The evidence of the appellants’ witnesses is hearsay and cannot be relied upon by any reasonable tribunal,” the appellate court said. Consequently, the panel dismissed the appeal for being unmeritorious and affirmed Governor Diri’s election, awarding costs of N500,000 against Sylva and the APC.
The Bayelsa Governorship Election Tribunal had, on May 27, dismissed Sylva and the APC’s petition. The three-member tribunal, led by Justice Adekunle Adeleye, unanimously decided that the petition lacked merit. The tribunal held that the petitioners failed to provide credible evidence to support their allegations against the election’s outcome. It struck out all additional proof of evidence and statements on oath from some witnesses for the petitioners as incompetent.
The tribunal emphasized that the law mandates an election petition to be filed no later than 21 days after the election result is declared. The tribunal’s decision was a significant affirmation of Governor Diri’s election victory, reinforcing the legality and fairness of the electoral process.
Governor Diri reiterated his commitment to the people of Bayelsa State, emphasizing that the legal challenges posed by Sylva and the APC were distractions from the work of governance. He assured the public that his administration would remain focused on its developmental agenda, despite the legal hurdles. The governor’s remarks highlighted his resolve to continue serving the state and his readiness to face further legal challenges at the Supreme Court.
The dismissal of the appeal by the Appeal Court and the earlier decision by the election tribunal have solidified Governor Diri’s position as the legitimately elected leader of Bayelsa State. These legal victories underscore the judiciary’s role in upholding the rule of law and ensuring that electoral disputes are resolved fairly and justly.
The legal battles initiated by Chief Timipre Sylva and the APC have been marked by a series of setbacks for the appellants. Their inability to provide compelling evidence to substantiate claims of electoral malpractice has been a critical factor in the decisions against them. The judiciary’s consistent rulings in favor of Governor Diri reflect the strength of his electoral mandate and the robustness of the legal process in addressing election-related disputes.
Governor Diri’s administration has faced significant challenges from the opposition, but the legal affirmations of his election victory have provided a strong foundation for his continued governance. The governor’s focus on development and service to the people remains unwavering, as he navigates the complexities of political and legal opposition.
The APC and Chief Timipre Sylva’s decision to appeal to the Supreme Court indicates their determination to contest the election results further. However, the repeated dismissal of their claims by the courts suggests that their chances of success may be limited. Governor Diri’s confidence in meeting them at the Supreme Court reflects his belief in the legitimacy of his election and the strength of the legal arguments supporting it.
As the legal proceedings continue, the people of Bayelsa State watch closely, hoping for a resolution that will allow the state to move forward without further distractions. Governor Diri’s commitment to governance and development, despite the legal challenges, resonates with the electorate’s desire for stability and progress.
In conclusion, the dismissal of Chief Timipre Sylva and the APC’s appeal by the Appeal Court is a significant legal victory for Governor Douye Diri and the people of Bayelsa State. It underscores the robustness of the legal system in addressing electoral disputes and reaffirms the legitimacy of Governor Diri’s election. Despite the ongoing legal challenges, the governor remains focused on his developmental agenda, committed to serving the people of Bayelsa State with dedication and integrity.
