Bayelsa: David Lyon Sends Message To APC Members After Supreme Court Ruling

The sacked Bayelsa State Governor-elect, David Lyon, has asked his supporters and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to remain calm.

Naija News recalls that the Supreme Court had nullified the election of Bayelsa State governor-elect, David Lyon and his running mate Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo.

A five-man panel of the Supreme Court led by Justice Mary Peter-Odili ordered INEC to withdraw the Certificate of Return issued to the All Progressives Congress’ candidates as the winners of the November 16, 2019 governorship election in the state.

Justice Peter-Odili asked INEC to issue a fresh certificate to the governorship candidate with the highest votes cast and wide geographical spread in the governorship election held on November 16, 2020.

Obeying the directive of the Supreme Court, INEC Chairman, Yakubu Mahmoud on Friday then declared PDP candidate, Douye Diri winner and issued him certificate of return.

The ruling led to massive violent protest in the state which forced the Nigeria Police into declaring a state of emergency.

Reacting in a statement signed on his behalf by Alphine Ogoh, David Lyon denied sponsoring violence in the state following the Supreme Court judgement.

The former lawmaker also absolved his running mate, Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo, of any blame.

While appealing to stakeholders to remain calm, he said the APC will explore all legal remedies available in law.

The statement reads in part: “Chief David Lyon reassures Nigerians and the peace-loving people of Bayelsa State that as a law-abiding citizen, he will never support, sponsor or direct anyone to engage in acts inimical to the progress and wellbeing of the same people he seeks to govern.

“Chief David Lyon recognizes that there are different stakeholders in politics and they all reserve their inalienable rights to their opinions on issues affecting their wellbeing

“Such stakeholders are also at liberty to express their opinions on issues but they should do so at all times within the ambit of the constitution and without making unfounded and unsubstantiated remarks against others, which amount to defamation.

“Chief David Lyon insists that those who know him and have interacted with him can attest to the indisputable fact that he is a peace-loving person.

“Chief David Lyon also believes that in a democracy, the court is the last hope of the common man. Following the court pronouncement, he has been preoccupied with exploring all legal processes and remedies available in the constitution in exercise of his fundamental human rights to address the unfortunate incident.

“Chief David Lyon appeals to his teeming supporters and the entire people of Bayelsa Stage to remain calm and go about their normal activities as the APC seeks all remedies available in law.

“Chief David Lyon calls on all political leaders irrespective of their party affiliations to call their teeming supporters to order. He insists that nobody should take laws into their hands.

“As a leader, Chief David Lyon implores every Bayelsan, who believes in him and his vision for the state not to blame his running mate for the unfortunate development.”