Bayelsa: Dickson Reacts To Supreme Court Judgment, Tells APC To Accept Ruling

Honourable Seriake Dickson, the outgoing governor of Bayelsa State has hailed the Supreme Court judgment which sacked the APC candidate David Lyon.

According to Dickson, the judgment of the Apex Court is a testimony that his administration and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are well accepted by the people of Bayelsa.

Naija News recalls the Supreme Court on Thursday, sacked David Lyon as the governor-elect of Bayelsa State.

The apex court, in a unanimous decision by a five-man panel of Justices led by Justice Mary Odili, held that deputy governor-elect, Biobarakuma Degi-Eremieoyo presented a forged certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Addressing the people of Bayelsa on Thursday at a valedictory live media chat held in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, Dickson expressed confidence that Governor-elect Senator Douye Diri will out-perform him in delivering dividends of democracy to the people.

He said: “You can’t have a state if you don’t have peace and stability. But once the matter has been decided one way or the other, as law-abiding people, you show understanding, rein in your supporters, explain to people and live to fight another day.

“That is what we do as politicians. I will like to congratulate all Bayelsans. We are actually waiting for the court position to be taken for me to invite anybody that win even if it is David Lyon to interact with me. We have programme lined up. We have done everything to ensure smooth transition.

“But now that the Supreme Court has decided otherwise. I call for everyone to take it in good faith and live to fight another day. No breakdown of law and order. No incitement.

“I believe that processes will be put in place to ensure that people will be carried along as much as possible. Those who have issues I am sure the incoming governor will say a thing or two about that. We have always run an inclusive government.

“And I believe that his own will be no difference. My take is actually to say that all of us have won. Even for those celebrating is not to spite anybody. We have all we as a people and all of us should manage this process because the court has decided.”

Governor Dickson also condemned the action of some political appointees who took to the streets in protest of some of their grievances.

He said they should understand that such appointment is at the pleasure of the government as they are not civil servants.

He also urged the APC and its National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole to accept the Supreme Court verdict in good faith.

“The court has decided and I don’t think the national chairman of the APC is competent to seek an appeal over the decisions of the Supreme Court.

“The last time I checked the rules, the judgement of the Supreme Court is final and that is what we have now. Any other issue is a question of interpretation and opinion. My candidate will be sworn in tomorrow.”