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In a significant legal development, the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, has dismissed a petition submitted by Timipre Sylva, the Bayelsa governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Sylva’s petition sought the disbandment and reconstitution of the Bayelsa State Election Tribunal, citing alleged bias and unfair treatment by the tribunal’s chairman, Justice Adekunle Adeleye, and two other panel members.
Timipre Sylva’s petition stemmed from concerns regarding the conduct and proceedings of the Bayelsa State Election Tribunal, which is deliberating on the outcome of the November 11th, 2023 governorship poll. Sylva contested the victory of Governor Douye Diri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and raised objections to the tribunal’s handling of his case.
The APC candidate alleged that the tribunal had not afforded him adequate time and opportunity to present his case after calling 52 witnesses and closing his defense last week Wednesday. Sylva’s contention centered on the perceived lack of fairness and impartiality in the tribunal’s proceedings, which he believed compromised his ability to mount a robust defense of his electoral challenge.
However, Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, in her capacity as the President of the Court of Appeal, ruled against Timipre Sylva’s petition, thereby upholding the legitimacy and continuity of the Bayelsa State Election Tribunal. The dismissal of Sylva’s petition reaffirms the tribunal’s mandate to adjudicate electoral disputes in accordance with established legal principles and procedural safeguards.
The decision underscores the judiciary’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. By rejecting Sylva’s petition, Justice Dongban-Mensem reaffirmed the judiciary’s independence and impartiality in adjudicating electoral disputes, regardless of the political affiliations or interests involved.
The outcome of Sylva’s petition underscores the significance of due process and adherence to legal norms in resolving electoral disputes. It reinforces the principle that all parties to an electoral contest are entitled to fair and transparent judicial proceedings, free from undue influence or bias.
As the Bayelsa State Election Tribunal continues its deliberations, the dismissal of Sylva’s petition serves as a reminder of the judiciary’s pivotal role in safeguarding the democratic process and upholding the sanctity of electoral outcomes. It reinforces public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the judicial system in Nigeria.
Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem’s rejection of Timipre Sylva’s petition represents a significant milestone in the ongoing legal proceedings surrounding the Bayelsa governorship election. The decision underscores the judiciary’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring equitable access to justice for all parties involved in electoral disputes.
