Seriake Dickson, immediate past governor of Bayelsa State, says his successor remains the state helmsman until the Supreme Court says otherwise.
Mr Dickson stated this in a statement, reacting to the annulment of the state governorship election which Duoye Diri, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was declared winner by the Supreme Court.
The Bayelsa State Election Tribunal which nullified the exercise, on account of unlawful exclusion of an opposition political party by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), also ordered a fresh election which must be conducted within 90 days.
The last year exercise had David Lyon, candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) declared winner by INEC but was not sworn in over discrepancies found on the academic credentials of his running mate, Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo.
After today’s tribunal ruling sacking Mr Diri, supporters of the APC went berserk, rejoicing over the development which if not appealed gives their preferred another opportunity to contest for the position.
But reacting, Dickson said there is no vacancy in the government house and his successor remains governor until upturned by the apex court.
“I urge Bayelsans to remain calm. They shouldn’t misinterpret what took place at the tribunal today (Monday),” the former governor said in the statement signed by media advisor, Mr Fidelis Soriwei.
“The judgment is a temporary setback which does not have any effect on the status quo until all processes of appeal are exhausted.
“There is no vacancy in the Bayelsa Government House. Diri remains governor until the Supreme Court decides. Of course, what this means is that the PDP will appeal this decision,” he added.
