Gov. Diri heads to Appeal Court over nullification of Bayelsa Guber

Governor Douye Diri, of Bayelsa, has said he will appeal Monday’s ruling of the state election petition tribunal sitting in Abuja and has consequently instructed his lawyers to file the necessary papers.

Governor Diri, who spoke shortly after the tribunal ruled that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) wrongly excluded the Advanced Nigeria Democratic Party (ANDP) governorship candidate in the November 16, 2009 election.

It is still not clear if Diri is entitled to an appeal since the court case is between ANDP and INEC.

Diri’s position was contained in a statement issued on Monday by his Acting Chief Press Secretary Mr Daniel Alabrah.

He said he has implicit confidence in the judiciary that he would triumph in the end of the case.

“We trust in the judiciary and we are appealing the judgement. With God on our side, we will get justice.

“This is a court of first instance and I have instructed our lawyers to file an appeal. We have a right of appeal even up to the Supreme Court,” he said.

The Governor urged members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and his supporters not to panic and to continue to remain calm and law-abiding.

Diri and his Deputy, Sen Lawrence Ewhrujakpo were sworn into office on Feb 14,2020 following a Supreme Court judgement of Feb 13, that nullified the election of erstwhile Governor-elect David Kyon, whose Deputy purportedly presented forged certificates to INEC.