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INEC Complies with Court Orders, Removes Sylva from Bayelsa Governorship Candidates List
INEC Complies with Court Orders, Removes Sylva from Bayelsa Governorship Candidates List
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has updated the lists of candidates for the upcoming governorship elections in Bayelsa and Imo States.
According to the revised list posted on the commission’s website, the names of Timipre Sylva and his running mate, Joshua Maciver of the All Progressives Congress (APC), have been excluded from the Bayelsa State election.
The list, signed by the Secretary to the Commission, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, indicated “court order” in the column reserved for the APC candidate and running mate.
In Imo State, the commission has added the names of Uchechukwu Ishiodu as the governorship candidate and Ahumbe Chiazor as the running mate for the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) in the state election.
Oriaran-Anthony, in the amended document, clarified that INEC’s actions were in response to court orders regarding the candidate lists.
She recalled that the final list of candidates for the 2023 Bayelsa State Governorship Election was published on June 9, as stipulated by the Electoral Act of 2022 and the election timetable.
Subsequently, the commission received a court order pertaining to the APC candidate’s nomination for the Bayelsa State governorship election.
“In accordance with Section 287 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the commission is obligated to enforce the court’s orders on candidate nominations by political parties in the state,” Oriaran-Anthony stated.
“The amended list of candidates for the 2023 Bayelsa State governorship election has been revised in compliance with the court orders served on the commission.”
Similarly, for Imo State, Oriaran-Anthony reminded that INEC published the final list of candidates for the state governorship election on June 9, in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act of 2022 and the election timetable.
Following the publication, the commission received a court order for the inclusion of the PRP and its candidate in the list of candidates for the 2023 Imo State governorship election.
“By virtue of Section 287 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the commission is obliged to enforce the court’s orders on candidate nominations by political parties in the state,” Oriaran-Anthony affirmed.
“The amended list of candidates for the 2023 Imo State Governorship election has been revised in compliance with the court orders served on the Commission.”
On October 10, the Federal High Court in Abuja disqualified Sylva from participating in the state governorship election. Justice Donatus Okorowo, in the judgment, ruled that Sylva, having been sworn in twice and ruled for five years as the Bayelsa State governor, would breach the 1999 constitution as amended if allowed to contest again.
The judge also declared that Sylva was not qualified to run in the November poll because if he won and was sworn in, he would spend more than eight years in office as governor of the state. Additionally, the Federal High Court in Owerri judicial division, in Suit No. FHC/OW/CS/35/2023 – PRP & Anor v. INEC, among others, equally ordered INEC to include the name of the PRP governorship candidate in the list of nominated candidates already published on the INEC website.
INEC Complies with Court Orders, Removes Sylva from Bayelsa Governorship Candidates List
President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday arrived in Katsina to receive the remains of the former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday at the age of 82.
Just hours before the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, heartfelt tributes have continued to pour in from beneficiaries of his many charitable deeds, with many describing him as a man who never turned his back on the needy.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, Aminu Daura, a respected community elder, recalled how Buhari consistently provided foodstuffs during Ramadan for families, friends, widows, and orphans in his hometown.
“He never made noise about it, but many homes had food on their tables during fasting period because of him,” Daura said.
Abdullahi Sani, a physically-challenged man who received a tricycle from the Buhari Foundation in 2021, was overcome with emotion while speaking to NAN.
“I can move around and feed my family today because of Baba Buhari. I pray to Allah to reward him for giving hope to people like me,” he said, in tears.
Hajiya Fatima Yahaya, another resident, remembered Buhari’s acts of kindness during festive seasons.
“Even after he left office, his aides ensured that the usual support still reached us every year. He always remember his people,” she said, referring to his distribution of Sallah rams and food items to indigent families during Eid celebrations.
Other residents of Daura also shared memories of how the late former president quietly paid school fees and medical bills for struggling families, actions rarely publicized.
“Some of us benefited from his silent interventions. He was a true father and a great figure in the society,” said Ali Saidu.
On Monday night, Imams across various mosques in Daura held special Qur’anic recitations, praying for the forgiveness of Buhari’s sins and his eternal peace.
The Chief Imam of Daura Central Mosque, Sheikh Musa Kofar Barau, described Buhari as a humble leader whose legacy of service and compassion would remain alive in the hearts of the people.
Buhari is scheduled to be buried later on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in line with Islamic rites. The community is bracing to welcome thousands of mourners from across Nigeria and beyond.
His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco has extended heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the entire Nigerian people following Buhari’s death.
In a message of sympathy, the Moroccan monarch described the passing of the former Nigerian leader as a “sad occurrence,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss.
King Mohammed VI hailed Buhari as “an illustrious leader who worked untiringly to serve his country’s best interests and lead his people toward further progress and prosperity.”
He added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the bereaved. I share your grief and want you to know how much I appreciated the working sessions I had with the deceased.”
Reflecting on their bilateral engagements, the king noted that his collaboration with Buhari led to the launch of promising development projects, “ushering a new era grounded in friendship and close cooperation between our two sister nations.”
Tinubu arrives Katsina to receive Buhari’s body for burial
“He Never Turned His Back on the Needy” — Tributes Pour In Ahead of Buhari’s Burial
King Mohammed VI Mourns Buhari, Praises Legacy of Nigeria’s Former Leader
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