In a statement personally signed and made available to reporters on Thursday, the ousted governor-elect of Bayelsa State, David Lyon, said though the decision of the Supreme Court, nullifying his victory, dashed the hope of the people of the state, he accepted it in the interest of peace and the development of the State.
Lyon said, “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 vein, 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.