by Lekan Olanrewaju

Former Bayelsa state governor yesterday received a response to his suit filed against the Peoples Democratc Party, PDP, in the form of a dismissal from the Supreme Court. Sylva had filed a suit against the party over the rightful candidate for the concluded 11 February governorship election in the state, but the Supreme Court yesterday threw it out.

He responded, saying it was not justice, but he accepted the ruling, as a democrat. In a statement signed by his media aide, Doifie Ola, he stated that he believed it was only the “judgement of man” and that everyone involved in the matter would “face the judgement of God.”

“As a democrat, Chief Timipre Sylva accepts today’s ruling of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. He however considers the decision of the apex court as dark for democracy and justice in Nigeria.” read the statement.

“Sylva believes today’s ruling is only the judgement of man and, certainly, not justice. He says after this, everyone involved in the Bayelsa State governorship matter shall still face the judgement of history and the judgement of God. Neither history nor God will not condone impunity.”

“Sylva thanks his teeming followers in Bayelsa State and lovers of democracy across Nigeria and beyond, especially, in Bayelsa State, who held out despite intimidation, threats, and pressure to abandon the part of democracy and justice.

“He extends his special gratitude to members of the Bayelsa State caucus of the National Assembly, who stood firm on democracy, as well as members of the Nigerian Governors Forum, seniors citizens from across the country, and all his supporters.

He commends the media and the human rights community for speaking out on the side of truth and justice.

Sylva remains confident that he still has a long and bright political career ahead of him.’’