Bayelsa APC lawmaker accepts defeat, congratulates PDP candidate
A former federal legislator, Israel Sunny-Goli, has accepted the ruling of the election petitions tribunal, which upheld the election of Marie Ebikake to represent the Brass-Nembe constituency at the House of Representatives.
“I congratulate Hon Marie Ebikake on her victory in the February 2023 House of Representatives election, as well as the favourable judgment she got against me from the election petitions tribunal,” stated the legislator. “I look forward to seeing her bring the dividends of democracy to our people as she settles down to the business of representing them in the National Assembly.”
Mr Sunny-Goli, in a statement issued on Thursday, said he would not appeal the tribunal’s ruling and congratulated Ms Ebikake.
“After assessing the recent judgement of the election petitions tribunal, delivered on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, which upheld the victory of my opponent in the February 25, 2023 House of Representatives election for the Brass-Nembe federal constituency, Hon Marie Ebikake, and the impediment a prolonged legal tussle poses to the development of our constituency, I have arrived at the conclusion that it is best to accept the decision of the Tribunal and not go on to appeal its decision.”
Mr Sunny-Goli said his decision “is predicated on my personal experience after the 2019 election, wherein I was dragged before the election petitions tribunal and the court of appeal respectively by my opponent, who happens to be the same Hon Ebikake,” pointing out that the legal tussle was “unsettling and distractive.”
He assured supporters and followers that “this is by no means an end to our political aspirations, as the future holds for us, prospects brighter than whatever we may have achieved in the course of our political journey.”
“I implore you to remain calm and hopeful, as this is only a temporary setback in our political voyage, and we shall bounce back from it bigger, stronger and better,” Mr Sunny-Goli explained. “A new chapter with greater prospects awaits us, and soon, we shall have a reason to be thankful for the benevolence of God towards us.”
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Africa
APC, Ethiopia’s Prosperity Party youths inaugurate joint tree-planting campaign
The initiative is part of the second round of the “Plant African Fraternity” aimed at deepening pan-African youth solidarity and promoting environmental sustainability.
States
Three killed, 20 injured in Osun road crash: FRSC
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says three people lost their lives, while 20 others were injured in an accident in Tonkere, Osun State.
Heading 2
EPL: Aston Villa extend goalless run after 0-0 draw with Hull City
Villa missed goal-scoring opportunities in the opening minutes of the game, with chances from Nicolas Jackson, Ross Barkley and George Hemmings.
Heading 5
Rights activists, labour leaders seek security, living wage reforms
Rights activists, labour leaders and civil society organisations called for urgent reforms to address insecurity and economic hardship.
Heading 3
FG rebranding livestock sector to attract youths: Maiha
“Now, the agriculture sector is beckoning the youths. We are rebranding the sector,” the minister said.
States
Gov Makinde cautions traditional rulers against partisan politics
Mr Makinde advised traditional rulers to steer clear of politics and embrace all political actors without bias.
