Breaking: Bayelsa Gov-elect To Be Inaugurated Today

The stage is set for the inauguration of the Bayelsa State governor-elect, Senator Douye Diri, in the Government House, Yenagoa, today (Friday).

The Supreme Court yesterday (Thursday) sacked the All Progressives Congress governor-elect in Bayelsa State, David Lyon, and his running mate, Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo, and pronounced the Peoples Democratic Party candidates, Douye Diri, and his running mate, Lawrence Ewrujakpor, as the winners of the election held in the state.

The apex court had found irregularities in the credentials of the ex-APC deputy governor-elect in Bayelsa State, Degi-Eremienyo, and annulled the joint ticket of both Lyon and Degi-Eremienyo.

The apex court then ordered INEC to issue fresh certificates to the candidates of the party with the next highest votes and with the required constitutional spread of votes in the results of the election, which is the PDP’s Diri and his deputy governor-elect, Lawrence Ewrudjakpo.

The Independent National Electoral Commission on Friday morning had issued a Certificate of Return to Diri in compliance with the verdict of the Supreme Court.

INEC earlier declared him as the winner of the November 16 governorship election held in Bayelsa State.

A few minutes after INEC’s pronouncement, Odiri and his deputy arrived at the electoral’s body headquarters in Abuja to receive the Certificate of Return.

Supreme Court had nullified the All progressives Congress victory of November 16 governorship election.

The Supreme Court had ruled that Lyon’s Deputy, Degi Ereminyo, submitted forged certificates that disqualified the joint ticket and nomination.

The court asked the Independent National Electoral Commission to withdraw the Certificate of Return issued to them and reissue the same to the next party with the required constitutional spread.
Punch