Bayelsa Guber: Suit seeking Tmipire Sylva’s disqualification dismissed

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

The Federal High Court, Abuja, Tuesday, dismissed a suit seeking to disqualify former Petroleum Resources Minister, Timipire Sylva from contesting in the November 11 governorship election in Bayelsa State.
Justice Inyang Ekwo, while dismissing the suit instituted against the All Progressive Congress (APC), Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Sylvia, held that it was lacking in merit and wants of enough meat to warrant disqualification.
According to the judgement, the plaintiff, Hon Isikima Ogbomade Johnson failed to establish the allegation that the APC did not conduct a lawful primary election that produced Sylva.
The court insisted that the INEC’s report was clear beyond any doubt that a valid primary election was conducted by APC and monitored by the electoral umpire as required by law.
On the police reports tendered by the plaintiff which claimed that no primary election was conducted by APC, Justices Ekwo said that the purported police reports were worthless and products of illegality because police were not mandated by any provisions of law to do what they did in favour of the plaintiff.
The Judge, among others, faulted the police reports for not being on police letter head papers to give it semblance of originality while he also said that the duty of police at primary elections is to give protection and safety to election materials and voters.
Besides, Justice Ekwo held that most of the documents brought by the plaintiff were done through the back doors in disregard to the well known established procedures.
Also, the court rejected the suit because it was not instituted within 14 days the subject matter occurred, hence, it became academic matter adding that since court is not an academic institution, it would not dabble into such a matter.
“In all, I find the case of the plaintiff to be weak having not been established by preponderance of evidence as required by law.
“In the same vein, the case of the plaintiff, having been demolished by overwhelming exhibits tendered by APC and Timipire Sylva, has no legs to stand upon in the face of law.
“I make an order, dismissing this case and it is hereby dismissed for lacking in merit,” the Judge held.
The plaintiff had by an originating summons dragged APC, INEC and Sylvia before the Court praying for an order to disqualify Sylva from being allowed to participate in the coming November governorship election in Bayelsa State.