Vanguard (Lagos)

Nigeria: Jubilation in Yenagoa As Police Seal Up Govt House

Yenagoa the Bayelsa State capital, Friday, erupted in celebration as the news of the ouster of Governor Timipre Sylva by the Supreme Court hit the airwaves.

Immediately, the police authorities sealed off the Creek Haven Government House, in Bayelsa State ostensibly to prevent looting of the place.

Heavily armed policemen barricaded the Onopa end of the Mbiama-Yenagoa road leading to the Government House and it was closed to traffic.

When Vanguard visited the area armed policemen were sighted diverting traffic to the Lambert Eradiri road connecting the DSP Alamieyeseigha way to other parts of Yenagoa.

Armed policemen were also deployed around the Peace Park, directly opposite the Government House, stopping visitors from gaining entry into the amusement park.

It was jubilation galore at the popular Swali Market and other parts of Yenagoa as traders and residents chanted songs to celebrate the exit of Governor Timipre Sylva.

Most of the pubs and other relaxation joints witnessed heavy turn-out of customers as many stormed the beer parlours, reveling over the court verdict.

As at press time, the state Chief Judge, Justice Kate Abiri was yet to swear in the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Nestor Binabor allegedly awaiting a certified copy of the court ruling.

It was gathered that a helicopter had already been despatched to Abuja to get the certified copies of the apex court ruling.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in Bayelsa State, Mr Hilary Opara, in an interview with newsmen said "Bayelsans should remain calm and law abiding. The government belongs to the people. If there is any change of leadership, a Bayelsan is going to be there".

On the planned swearing-in ceremony of the Speaker, Hon Nestor Binabo as the Acting Governor, the police commissioner said, "The Chief Judge, Kate Abiri said she was waiting for directives from Abuja. I told her that anytime she is cleared with the directive, she should let us know so that we can discharge our responsibility of providing effective security".


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