Stakeholders under the platform of Bayelsa Democratic Coalition have called on the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC) to comply with the court judgement on Sylva’s disqualification.
Coordinator of the Coalition, Orama David, made the demand in a press statement available to Abuja newsmen on Monday.
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja had on October 10 disqualified the APC candidate.
Justice Donatus Okorowo, in his judgement held that allowing Sylva to contest again would breach the provision of the 1999 constitution, having been sworn in twice and ruled for five years as a governor of the state.
The judge also said Sylva would spend more than eight years in office if allowed to participate in the election and eventually win.
Justice Okorowo, who cited the case of Marwa vs Nyako at the Supreme Court, Okorowo noted that the drafters of the country’s constitution stated that nobody should be voted for as governor more than twice.
The APC candidate has since given notice that he would proceed to the Court of Appeal to challenge the lower court’s judgement.
But the Bayelsa Stakeholders, who hailed the decision of the Court and described it as a victory for democracy, also noted that the decision has upheld the principles of justice and the Constitution.
“We commend the recent ruling by the Federal High Court disqualifying Mr Timipre Sylva from the governorship race in Bayelsa State. This landmark, judging by his antecedent in previous elections in the state, particularly in 2015, was adjudged by many observers to be the deadliest and most bloody in the annals of elections in the State.
“The Federal High Court’s verdict has reaffirmed our faith in the judicial system and its commitment to upholding the rule of law. We believe that this ruling is a significant milestone, not only in the journey towards a better, more accountable, and violence-free democratic process in Bayelsa State but removals the spectre of hijacking the will of the people.”
The group also maintained that the disqualification of Sylva is in line with the Constitution and represents a victory for electoral integrity in the country.
He said, “Our group recognises the importance of free and fair elections as the cornerstone of a thriving democracy. The disqualification of Mr Timipre Sylva from the governorship race, in line with Constitutional imperatives, represents a victory for electoral integrity and sends a clear message that the democratic process in Nigeria is built on principles of fairness, transparency, and the rule of law.
“We call on all stakeholders, including political parties, candidates, and the electorate, to uphold the spirit of peaceful and violence-free elections. We urge every Bayelsa citizen to contribute positively to the electoral process, ensuring that our state’s future leadership is determined through issue-based campaigns and ballots, not intimidation and bullets.
“As we approach the forthcoming Governorship Election in Bayelsa State, we encourage INEC, all parties and candidates to respect the court’s decision that Chief Sylva is disqualified, conduct their campaigns within the bounds of the law, and work collaboratively to create an atmosphere of peace and security for the electorate.
“As an organisation, we are committed to monitoring the electoral process, promoting transparency, and supporting initiatives that guarantee a peaceful and violence-free Governorship Election in our state.”
. TheWitness
