Bayelsa dep gov candidate: APC heads to Appeal Court over disqualification

The All Progressives Congress (APC), said it is heading to Appeal Court to challenge disqualification of its Deputy Governorship Candidate, Senator Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo, in November 16, Bayelsa governorship poll.

A Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja, on Tuesday, disqualified Degi-Eremienyo, for submitting false information to Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Chief Amos Jothan, the state APC Chairman, in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Wednesday in Yenagoa, described the court ruling as a miscarriage of justice.

“We are totally surprised that the court could in spite of objections by our lawyers, went ahead to determine a weighty criminal allegation of falsification and fraud solely on the bases of affidavit evidence contrary to well established judicial precedents that such must be proved beyond a reasonable doubt by calling oral evidence.

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“We strongly believe that the judgment cannot withstand superior judicial scrutiny.

“Therefore, our lawyers have filed a notice of appeal and other court processes to arrest the execution of the judgment pending the outcome of the appeal.

“We call on all our members and supporters not to be distracted but continue to peacefully mobilise for the Nov.16, election,” he said.

NAN reports that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had on September 18 approached the court seeking disqualification of the candidate over alleged falsification of information.

NAN