19th February, 2020
Sacked Governor-elect of Bayelsa, David Lyon has at last broken his silence, saying he believes that justice will be done at the end of the day.
Lyon is speaking for the first since he was sacked last Thursday by the Supreme Court, which declared Douye Diri winner of the election. Diri has since been sworn in as Governor of Bayelsa State.
He urged his numerous followers to eschew violence, saying he would never support such as he has always been a peacemaker.
Lyon, in a statement issued on his behalf by Alphine Ogoh appealed to all stakeholders to remain calm and allow the legal team of the party explore all legal remedies available in law to restore the mandate of the people.
He described as unfounded and defamatory allegations in some quarters that he was encouraging people to engage in violence following the judgement, asking mischief-makers bent in tarnishing his image to desist or be compelled to prove their allegations.
According to the 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.”
The statement obtained by the Nation, added: “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 Stage 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.”