Nigeria’s Supreme Court has thrown out the suit filed by former Governor Timipre Sylva challenging PDP’s moves which led to his ouster from the 2012 gubernatorial race in Bayelsa state.With this ruling Sylva’s last hope of returning to the as governor has been dashed.
In what appeared like the typical case of political manipulation, the incumbent governor at the time was disqualified from running for a second term .Instead,PDP anointed Henry Seriake Dickson as the new candidate that was eventually elected.
Sylva began the legal tussle when he approached the Federal High Court FHC Abuja to stop PDP from replacing him having won the primaries much earlier.PDP challenged the court’s jurisdiction but Abuja division of the court of Apeal ruled that the FHC actually has the jurisdiction.It was the PDP proceeded to the apex court ,where judgment was eventually given today throwing out Sylva’s suit.
Reports said the EFCC has been on the trail of Sylva ,but the ex governor said through his media aide recently that he was not on the run.How the case will turn out henceforth remains to be seen.
Already , Sylva has grudgingly accepted the Supreme court ruling today.A reaction titled: ‘Dark Day For Democracy’ signed by Doifie Ola, his media aide said “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.
Ola added that “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,Ola said..
On a final note his media aide said “Sylva remains confident that he still has a long and bright political career ahead of him.”
