Bayelsa: Lyon Breaks Silence

Sacked Governor-elect of Bayelsa, David Lyon has reacted to last Thursday’s Supreme Court judgement which declared the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Douye Diri winner of the November 16 gubernatorial election.

In his first statement since the apex court thwarted his dream to govern Bayelsa, Lyon denied allegations that he has been sponsoring people to engage in violence following the judgement. While urging the people of the state to remain calm and law abiding, he expressed confidence that justice will be done to the people at last.

See statement

“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. His peaceful demeanor was demonstrated in the last governorship elections, when he seamlessly led peaceful electoral campaigns in the state.

“Chief David Lyon has respect for civil liberty and believes in legal and democratic processes of resolving issues.

“Chief David Lyon also believes that in a democracy, the 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 State to remain calm and go about their normal activities as the APC seeks all remedies available in law.

“Chief David Lyon says that he is impressed at the opinions and expert views, which greeted the judgment of the Supreme Court within and across the length and breadth of our country.

“He also expresses his faith and confidence in the judicial process and the Supreme Court in particular, noting that at the end of the day, justice will be done to the good people of Bayelsa State.”