The Elders Forum, All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa has faulted the judgment of the Federal High Court disqualifying the party’s governorship candidate, Timipre Sylva, ahead of the November 11 election.

In a statement on Wednesday in Yenagoa, the elders posited that Justice Donatus Okorowo erred in law in his pronouncement that Mr Sylva had taken the oaths of office as a governor twice and was no longer qualified for the governorship ticket of his party.

Michael Adomokeme, the forum chairman, contended that Mr Sylva had only taken one oath of office known to the law, as a court of competent jurisdiction had nullified the first one referred to by the judge.

Mr Adomokeme recalled that the court nullified Mr Sylva’s first-term election in 2007.

 “The annulment of the first poll and nullification of that oath by the court had rendered both the election and the oath of office non-existent.

“The first oath never existed because, in the eyes of the law, you cannot build something on nothing.

“Only the oath taken in 2008 is recognised by the law and stands as the only oath so far taken by our candidate,’’ he said.

Mr Adomekeme noted that judges remained imperfect humans, capable of making mistakes in their pronouncements, adding that such recognition is why the hierarchy of courts existed in the judicial system.

He expressed optimism that the appellate court would do justice to this matter.

“We believe that the court would not allow the 2019 scenario to repeat itself where, against the will of the people, an unpopular candidate was foisted on our people,’’ he said.

While describing the development as a temporary setback, Mr Adomekeme advised the Peoples’ Democratic Party and its candidate, Governor Douye Diri, to stop “their wishful thinking of relying on the courts to remain in power and prepare for the election’’.

“We know they are fretting, and that is why they are mischievously shopping for help in courts.

“This one has failed because it will not stand. Governor Douye Diri must go and face his defeat at the poll because the people’s will must stand,’’ he said. 

The chairman urged the APC members, residents of Bayelsa and other stakeholders not to be discouraged by the judgment, stressing that the court of appeal would upturn it.

(NAN)