The former governor of Bayelsa state, Timipre Sylva has accepted the ruling of the Supreme Court which upheld the appeal by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) challenging the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court in Abuja to hear the suit filed by Mr Sylva.

Sylva in a statement signed by his media aide, Doifie Ola, described the ruling as a ‘ dark day for democracy’ . However, the incumbent government of Bayelsa state described the ruling as a victory for democracy.

Describing himself as a democrat, the former governor stated that “today’s ruling is only the judgement of man and, certainly, not justice, adding that “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” he added.

Mr Sylva thanked his supporters for their resolve to remain with him despite threats that came their way.

He commended members of the Bayelsa State caucus of the National Assembly, who he claimed, “stood firm on democracy”, as well as members of the Nigerian and the governors Forum.

He expressed his optimism for his political future saying “I remain confident that I still have a long and bright political career ahead of me”.

Meanwhile, the Bayelsa state governor, Mr Henry Dickson, who spoke through his special assistant on political matters, Mr. Fred Agbedi told journalist after the ruling, that the verdict is a victory for democracy and the existence of internal democracy in the PDP.

He added that it was also a victory for the people of Bayelsa, while praising the judiciary for adhering strictly to the norms of the law in considering the suit.

He promised Bayelsans that with the legal battles behind them the Dickson-led government will further continue to ensure that the dividends of democracy which had eluded the state for a long time becomes a thing of the past.