Timipre Sylva, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, has been disqualified from the Bayelsa State governorship election.
The Federal High Court’s decision to disqualify him was based on several compelling reasons.
Here are the top 5 reasons behind his disqualification:
1. Exceeding Constitutional Term Limits:
- Sylva had previously served as governor of Bayelsa State, with two separate terms in office.
- The 1999 Constitution, as amended, stipulates a maximum of two terms or eight years for a governor.
- Sylva’s aspirations for a third term as governor would have extended his time in office to nine years, violating the constitutional term limits.
2. Precedent in Supreme Court Case:
- The judgment drew upon a precedent established in the Supreme Court case of Marwa Vs. Nyako.
- This landmark case emphasized the importance of adhering to constitutional term limits for elected officials.
- The court underscored that the constitution cannot be stretched to elongate the statutory period for serving as a governor.
3. Oath of Office Taken Twice:
- Uncontroverted evidence presented in court showed that Sylva had taken the oath of office as Bayelsa state governor on two separate occasions.
- His double inauguration ceremonies demonstrated his prior service as governor.
4. Challenge by APC Chieftain:
- The disqualification stemmed from a lawsuit filed by a prominent APC chieftain, Mr. Demesuoyefa Kolomo.
- Kolomo challenged Sylva’s eligibility based on his previous terms in office, questioning his qualification for another term.
5. Contradictory Claims:
- Sylva argued in his defence that he had only occupied the office of governor once, citing his election in May 2008.
- However, this claim contradicted the evidence presented in court, which established that he had indeed served two non-consecutive terms.
