Following the Supreme Court ruling that sacked Governor Timipre Sylva of Bayelsa State, police authorities sealed off the Creek Haven Government House, in Yenagoa.

More than 1000 heavily armed riot policemen barricaded the main gate of the Government House, while the Ovom side of the Mbiama-Yenagoa expressway that leads to the area was closed to traffic.

When our correspondent visited the area, the policemen were spotted diverting traffic to other routes, just as they frisked motorists before they were allowed to take adjoining streets.

At the Peace Park, which is directly opposite the Government House, mobile policemen mounted heavy security preventing fun-seekers from gaining entry into the facility.

Besides, there was jubilation in some parts of the state capital, as a large number of traders at the popular Swali Market chanted songs to celebrate Sylva’s exit from power.

Similarly, some individuals marched through the streets, while many pubs and other relaxation joints witnessed a heavy turn-out of customers. They were seen in beer parlours, gulping alcohol in the spirit of jubilation.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in the 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 boss remarked, “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”.