Bayelsa: PDP, Diri Dazed As CJN Approves Transfer Of Alaibe’s Suit To Abuja

By Asolo Eyedoude

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad has approved the request by Timi Alaibe for the transfer of his suit against the emergence of Senator Douye Diri as the governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from Bayelsa State to Abuja.

The presiding Judge of the Federal High Court sitting in Yenagoa, Justice Jane Iyang, while announcing her decision to accede to the directive of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, said the decision was based on the request of Alaibe dated 27th of September,2019 and received by her court on the 10th of October,2019.

According to her, Alaibe’s letter did not question the credibility of the Federal High Court but expressed security concern in the state.

The decision of the court, which came as surprise to the defendant’s counsels, elicited protest over the alleged secrecy and perceived ambush which it was delivered by the plaintiff.

The National Legal Adviser of the PDP and counsel to the Party, Emmanuel Enoidem (Esq), the Counsel to the 4th and 5TH respondents, Chuks Oguru (Esq) kicked against the request of Chief Timi Alaibe. but the Counsel to Senator Douye Diri, Barr. Chiemezie V.C. Ihekweazu declined comments.

The suit, which was filed in pursuant to Order 3(9) of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019, seeks answers to questions bordering on alleged non-adherence to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act 2010, the People’s Democratic Party Constitution and Election Guidelines, by the State Chapter of the party in the conduct of the Ward Congresses, inclusion of local government council officials in the delegates’ list and the procedure for inclusion of three ad-hoc delegates.

Citing specific sections of relevant laws and guidelines, Alaibe is asking the court to examine the entire processes that resulted in the primaries and rule in his favour in the light of violations committed in a desperate move to impose a pre-determined hand-picked candidate on the people out of 21 aspirants.

 It would be recalled that the Timi Alaibe Campaign Organization had raised objections against what it described as crass disrespect for legal procedures and party guidelines in the build-up to the conduct of the governorship primary election by the State Chapter of the PDP. The objection covered open disobedience to the party constitution and electoral guidelines and the manner in which Ward Congresses were conducted; among others.

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