Okowa Congratulates Diri On Supreme Court Victory

Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has congratulated his Bayelsa counterpart, Gov. Douye Diri, on his victory at the Supreme Court.

Okowa, in a statement on Tuesday in Asaba by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, said that by the judgment, the Supreme Court had put to rest all contending issues on the governorship election in Bayelsa.

He said that the verdict of the apex court on the pre-election matter had concluded the legal battle on the governor’s candidacy on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform for the Nov. 19, 2019 governorship poll in Bayelsa.

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The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the AO ex court dismissed the appeal filed by a governorship aspirant on the party’s platform, Chief Timi Alaibe, challenging the emergence of Diri as the candidate in the election.

NAN also reports that the court declined to delve into the matter, citing lack of jurisdiction, as the issue was an internal affair of the party.

Okowa pointed out that the victory was for all parties, urging Alaibe, to sheathe his sword, as the future was still bright for him.

He urged the Bayelsa governor to reach out to all concerned, in order to have an all-inclusive government.

“Bayelsans, their friends and neighbours waited with bated breath for this judgment.

“My dear brother governor, your long walk to victory must not be taken for granted.

“You must reward the state with open, transparent and purposeful leadership because the people of Bayelsa can’t settle for less.

“Let me also appeal to my good friend, Chief Timi Alaibe and all other contenders, to join hands with the governor to develop Bayelsa to truly be ‘the glory of all lands’.

“It is only when leaders work together with same goal in mind that the state can accelerate its development.

“This judgment brings to an end all contests for the office of Governor of Bayelsa and governance can’t be pigeon-holed if it has to address the good of the people,” he said.

The Delta governor said that the judgement of the apex court on the matter was a victory for the nation’s democracy and a reaffirmation of the supremacy of the party in handling its internal issues.

He commended the judges at the apex court for refusing to delve into the matter.

“The ruling of the Supreme Court will go a long way in restoring the hope and confidence of Nigerian people on the sanctity of the judiciary,” Okowa said.