I've Taken Verdict In Good Faith, Says Sylva

Yenagoa residents celebrate gov's exitTHE governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva has said that as a democrat and firm believer in the rule of law, he has taken the ruling of the Supreme Court terminating his tenure in good faith.In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Doifie Ola, the governor described the verdict as a temporary setback. According to him, the implication of the judgment is that the January 2011 primary election which he won as candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) subsists.Sylva enjoined his supporters to remain calm and not take the law into their hands. He thanked the people of Bayelsa State for the opportunity given him to serve.'As governor for the past four years, the Sylva-led government has touched the lives of the people and changed the state for the better.' he said.Sylva spoke yesterday as Yenagoa, the state capital erupted in celebration as news of the ouster of the governor by the Supreme Court hit the airwaves.Immediately, the police authoritiessealed off the Creek Haven Government House, ostensibly to prevent looting of the place.Heavily armed policemen barricaded the Onopa end of theMbiama-Yenagoa road leading to the Government Houseand it was closed to traffic.Armed policemen were sighted diverting traffic to the Lambert Eradiri road connecting the DSP Alamieyeseigha way toother parts of Yenagoa.Armed policemen were also deployed around the Peace Park, directly opposite the Government House, stopping visitors from gaining entry into the amusement park.It was jubilation galore at the popular SwaliMarket and other parts of Yenagoa astraders and residents chanted songs to celebrate the exit of Sylva. Most of the pubs and other relaxation joints witnessed heavy turn-out of customers as many stormed the beer parlours, reveling over the court verdict.As at press time, the Chief Judge, Justice Kate Abiri was yet toswear in the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Nestor Binabor allegedly awaiting a certified copy of the court ruling. It was gathered that a helicopter had already been dispatched to Abuja to get the certified copies of the apex court's ruling.Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Hilary Opara said 'Bayelsans should remain calm and law abiding. The government belongs to the people. If there is any change of leadership, a Bayelsan is going to be there'.On the planned swearing-in ceremony of the Speaker, the police commissioner said 'the Chief Judge, Kate Abiri said she was waiting for directives from Abuja. I told her that anytime she is cleared with the directive, she should let us know so that we can discharge our responsibility of providing effective security.
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