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Bayelsa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has castigated the People Democratic Party (PDP) over its recent comment, insisting that imposing Douye Diri as governor is incompatible with democratic norms.
In a statement credited to its state Secretary, God’spower Keku, the PDP had claimed that Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva and National Chairman of APC, Adams Oshiomhole facilitated its victory at the court by foisting Degi Erimienyo as running mate to David Lyon.
Keku had condemned Sylva for his criticism of the Supreme Court judgement, which voided APC’s governorship victory.
PDP also accused Sylva of “foisting violence on the state since 2015,” and accused Sylva of being responsible for the violence in Yenagoa and Abuja following the sacking of former Governor-elect, David Lyon.
But while responding to accusation of violence against Sylva, the APC said the Supreme Court’s decision to ignore the Bayelsa State electorate and made its judges the voters, contravened all known democratic norms.
In a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Doifie Buokoribo in Yenagoa, described the PDP’s position as irresponsible, petty and provocative, describing Governor Douye Diri as an illegal occupier of Government House, Yenagoa.
Reacting further to PDP’s verbal attacks on Sylva and Oshiomhole, he said it was clear that the PDP was occupying the Bayelsa Government House illegally, as it did not win the November 16, 2019 governorship poll.
He said the people elected APC until the Supreme Court ignored the electorate, constituted itself as the voters and imposed another person as governor against all democratic norms.
He said, “Legally, Diri is governor of Bayelsa State, but in the hearts and minds of our people, he is illegitimate. He was not the one they voted for. He will bear the burden of illegitimacy throughout his tenancy at Creek Haven, Government House, Yenagoa.
“This is a judgement without justice and legitimacy. Although we are bound by the judgement as a legal entity, our party does not consider the Supreme Court ruling as fair or just.”
He added that Sylva had already denounced the recent protests that took place in Yenagoa and Abuja after the Supreme Court judgement of February 13, 2020.
“We have said that it was the PDP Government under Governor Henry Seriake Dickson that ran a regime of heist, violence and lawlessness since 2012. APC and its supporters were the victims at all times.
“Diri has not shown any sign that he will not continue with the regime of lawlessness and grand larceny. Clearly, the PDP statement under review points to the truth of our position,” he stated.
The party also accused Diri of obtaining N2.9b loan to buy operational vehicles for himself, his deputy and other principal government officers in less than three weeks as governor.
“Coming less than three weeks as governor, the move is scandalous, unsympathetic and ungodly. Sadly, the Bayelsa State House of Assembly has approved the loan request,” he added.