Tribunal: Governor Dickson versus Chief Timipre Sylva

The election tribunal update on Naija365 News

Bayelsa Governorship Election Petition Tribunal: For Lack Of Credible Witness(es), PDP Closes Defence

Just as anticipated, giving the telltale signs during the PDP's defence in the petition brought before the tribunal, challenging the victory of Governor Henry Seriake Dickson, the 3rd respondent in the suit, the PDP has closed its defence.

The lead counsel to the third respondent, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), rising to his feet today 3rd June 2016, announced to the tribunal that "at this point, we have no choice than to close our defence". He tendered Ward election results from Ekeremor and Southern Ijaw LGAs for the elections of 5th December 2015 and 9th January 2016 as they claimed in their Reply to the Petition.

By this development, hearing of the Petition by Chief Timipre Sylva is closed, and by the agreement reached by the counsels, the tribunal has ordered that Written Addresses and Replies be filed within the stated days, exchanged and to be adopted on 29th June 2016.

In all, the petitioner called a total of 75 witnesses to shore up their case. INEC- The 1st Respondent called only 2 witnesses. Gov Dickson- the 2nd Respondent called 48 witnesses. PDP the 3rd Respondent called only 6 witnesses.

The 3 man panel of judges at the tribunal appreciated the industry, the educating and informed submissions of all counsels and their composure throughout the proceedings.