In a recent turn of events at the Bayelsa State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its gubernatorial candidate, Timipre Sylva, faced another setback as their motion seeking the disqualification of tribunal members was dismissed. The motion aimed to challenge the election victory of Governor Douye Diri.
Presiding over the Tribunal, Justice Adekunle Adeleye made the decisive ruling after hearing arguments from various counsels, including Tunde Falola representing Sylva, Charles Edosanwan for INEC, Chris Uche, SAN, representing Governor Diri, Chukwuma Machukwu Ume for the Deputy Governor, and Tayo Oyetibo for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Justice Adeleye cited a letter from the President of the Court of Appeal dated March 5, directing the tribunal to proceed with the petition regardless of any applications filed by the concerned parties. This directive superseded the petitioners’ request for the tribunal’s dissolution.
Falola, representing Sylva, contended that the petitioners had lost faith in receiving impartial judgment from the current panel members. They alleged irregularities that raised doubts about a fair trial and urged the tribunal to step down in the interest of justice, allowing a new panel to take over and expedite the case before the impending deadline.
However, the respondents vehemently opposed the recusal of the panel members, labeling the move as an orchestrated ploy to obstruct the defense presentation. They accused the APC and Sylva of attempting to manipulate the tribunal for their advantage.
The respondents highlighted that the petitioners prematurely concluded their case, despite having ample time remaining for proceedings. They refuted any claims of unfair treatment and emphasized that both APC and Sylva actively participated in the pre-hearing arrangements and adhered to the agreed timeline.
The tribunal has scheduled March 13 and 14 for INEC, as the primary respondent, to present its defense, marking the next phase in this ongoing legal battle.
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This latest development underscores the high-stakes nature of the Bayelsa gubernatorial election dispute, with each side fiercely contesting the legitimacy of the electoral outcome. As the legal proceedings unfold, the spotlight remains on the tribunal’s impartiality and adherence to due process.
