Toba Owojaiye ReportingÂ
On Monday, Justice Donatus Okorowo of the Federal High Court in Abuja rendered a significant judgment that has reverberated through Bayelsa State’s political landscape. In this ruling, Chief Timipre Sylva, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the November 11 gubernatorial election, was disqualified.
Justice Okorowo’s decision was grounded in the interpretation of the 1999 constitution, as amended, which stipulates that no individual should serve as governor for more than two terms. Chief Sylva had already been sworn in as governor twice, with a cumulative tenure of five years. Allowing him to contest for the upcoming election would, in the judge’s view, contravene this constitutional provision.
Furthermore, Justice Okorowo cited the precedent set in the case of Marwa vs Nyako at the Supreme Court, emphasizing that the constitution’s framers intended to restrict individuals from holding the governorship position for more than two terms. This ruling has far-reaching implications as it upholds the sanctity of the constitution and prevents any attempts to expand its scope.
The case, filed as suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/821/2023 by Deme Kolomo, an APC member, underscores the significance of adhering to constitutional limits on political officeholders. Chief Timipre Sylva’s disqualification not only reshapes the political landscape in Bayelsa but also reaffirms the importance of constitutional principles in Nigeria’s democracy. This ruling will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the state’s upcoming gubernatorial election and set a precedent for similar cases in the future.