The All Progressives Congress, APC and its Governorship Candidate in Bayelsa State, has reacted to the Supreme Court judgement that upheld its earlier stand on the governorship election in the State.
David Lyon, said he has accepted the final decision of the Supreme Court on its judgement that nullified his victory at the November 16th, 2019 governorship election.
The APC had approached the apex court, asking it to reverse an earlier ruling which sacked David Lyon as the Governor-elect of the State.
However, the Supreme Court refused to revert itself and instead, struck out the APC and Lyon’s application.
The APC, which will now retain its position as the main opposition party in the state, called on the people of the state to accept the judgement.
Lyon, in a statement he personally signed, said though the decision of the apex court to stick to its February 13th judgement dashed the hope of the people of the state, he accepted it in the interest of peace and the development of Bayelsa.
He appealed to the supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC), his loyalists and the people that came out en masse to vote for him at the to accept the judgement and maintain the peace.
Lyon commended the leadership of the APC at the state and national levels for their tenacity in upholding the principles of constitutional democracy.
He said: “The Supreme Court of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Wednesday, 26 February, 2020, reviewed the judgment it gave against us on 13th February, 2020 and decided to maintain its earlier judgment
“I am aware of the extent to which this decision has further dashed the hope of Bayelsans as it upturned the democratic mandate of the Bayelsa electorate.
“I hereby unequivocally state my decision to accept the Supreme Court verdict however distressing as it is. It is the decision of the Supreme Court, and we are all bound to accept the outcome as law-abiding citizens of this great country.
“I wish to appeal to my party faithful, my supporters, all Bayelsans and all lovers of peace and justice to accept this verdict and maintain the peace.
“While they have a right to think that this is a case of judgment without justice, I strongly appeal against all forms of violence or any conduct that threatens the peace and development of our state.
“I strongly believe that God still loves Bayelsans and will still allow His Will to come to pass in their lives.
“I seize this opportunity to thank the leadership of our party, the All Progressives Congress at the National, State , local Government and ward levels for their tenacity in upholding the ideals of constitutional democracy”.
He added: “I appeal to all Bayelsans not to shy away from participating in the governance of our dear state for the common good and wellbeing of its people.
“In the same vain, I urge the good people of the state to continue to uphold the dreams of our founding fathers in our aspiration to lead the state irrespective of party affiliations.
“Lastly, it is my resolve to continue to join forces with well-meaning individuals, institutions and organisations towards bringing the much-needed development to Bayelsa State which has bee in dire need of development”.
