The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa has commended Saturday’s judgment of the Court of Appeal sitting in Port Harcourt, dismissing the pre-election suit filed against the Governor-elect, David Lyon.
The suit challenging the candidacy of Lyon was filed by former Minister of State for Agriculture, Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri.
Delivering its judgment in the suit the court beld that it was filed out of time at the lower court.
Recall that Justice Jane Inyang of the Federal High Court in Yenagoa, had on Nov. 14, 2019 ruled that the suit was filed within time, and nullified the primaries.
The appeal court, however, granted a stay of execution of the judgment to Lyon, which made it possible for him to take part in the Nov. 16, 2019 poll in which he emerged winner.
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Justice Isaiah Olefemi of the Court of Appeal said on Saturday that Lokpobiri failed to comply with the statutory 14 days period, saying that he ought to have filed the case not later than Sept. 17, 2019 hence he dismissed the appeal.
The suit was filed on Sept. 18, 2019.
Reacting to the judgment, the APC State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Doifie Buokoribo, said it vindicated the party’s position at the lower court.
He added: “The judgment delivered today by the Court of Appeal represents victory for all – Bayelsa, Nigeria and democracy.
“We call on everybody to join hands with the governor-elect to build a better Bayelsa for all.”
