David Lyon Breaks Silence After Supreme Court Sacked Him Again

The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2019 governorship election in Bayelsa State, David Lyon who was also the governor-elect until he was sacked by the Supreme Court has spoken on the actions of the apex court.

Naija News recalls the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared the APC and its candidate, David Lyon winner of the November 16th, 2019 Bayelsa governorship election.

However, barely 24 hours to the expected inauguration of Lyon as the state governor, a Supreme Court order of 13th February 2020, sacked him based on the fake results presented by his running mate, Senator Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo.

The court further gave victory to Duoye Diri and his running mate, Senator Lawrence Ewrujakpor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who have since been sworn in as the authentic state governor and deputy governor respectfully.

However, not satisfied with the initial Supreme Court ruling, the APC had requested a review of the apex court’s judgment. Their request was however dismissed on Wednesday, 26th February by the court for lack of merit.

The sacked David Lyon has now released a statement on Thursday 27th February in which he said though the apex court has refused to shift ground on his sack, he has accepted the final decision of the court in good faith.

He also advocated that his supporters and those of the APC should remain calm and maintain peace despite the unfavourable outcome.

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.

He also thanked the leadership of his party, APC for following all the processes to a logical conclusion.

“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 then added that all stakeholders should join hands in developing Bayelsa State irrespective of their political allegiance.

“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.”