The Supreme Court has dismissed the case brought before it by the embattled former Governor of Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva, challenging the refusal of the Peoples Democratic Party to field him as its candidate for the recently concluded governorship election in the State.
The Supreme Court has dismissed the case brought before it by the embattled former Governor of Bayelsa State, Timipre Sylva, challenging the refusal of the Peoples Democratic Party to field him as its candidate for the recently concluded governorship election in the State.
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The court ruled a while ago, saying the fielding of candidates for elections is an intra-party affair in which courts cannot interfere.
The judgment appears to have sealed Mr. Sylva's hope of returning to the Bayelsa State Government House from hiding.
The former governor had slipped into hiding after he was unceremoniously removed from office last February.
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However, he had continued to challenge the election of Seriake Dickson as governor, saying he was the properly nominated candidate of the party for the election.
Mr. Sylva is currently being prosecuted for corruption by the EFCC, and the former governor had hoped that the court would rule in his favour, and therefore provide him a constitutional immunity from prosecution.
Timpre Sylva responds:
Press Statement
Dark Day For Democracy
As a democrat, Chief Timipre Sylva accepts today’s ruling of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. He however considers the decision of the apex court as dark for democracy and justice in Nigeria.
Sylva believes today’s ruling is only the judgement of man and, certainly, not justice. He says after this, everyone involved in the Bayelsa State governorship matter shall still face the judgement of history and the judgement of God. Neither history nor God will not condone impunity.
Sylva thanks his teeming followers in Bayelsa State and lovers of democracy across Nigeria and beyond, especially, in Bayelsa State, who held out despite intimidation, threats, and pressure to abandon the part of democracy and justice.
He extends his special gratitude to members of the Bayelsa State caucus of the National Assembly, who stood firm on democracy, as well as members of the Nigerian Governors Forum, seniors citizens from across the country, and all his supporters. He commends the media and the human rights community for speaking out on the side of truth and justice.
Sylva remains confident that he still has a long and bright political career ahead of him.
DOIFIE OLA
Media Aide to Chief Timipre Sylva
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