Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State has described as disturbing, the Appeal Court verdict that sacked Senator Dayo Adeyeye as the representative of Ekiti South Senatorial District.
He said the disturbance followed the fact that the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the senator campaigned vigorously during the last election and got the endorsement of the people of the district.
The court which sacked Adeyeye on Wednesday declared the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate, Biodun Olujimi, as the true winner of the election.
Fayemi, while reacting to the verdict described it as shocking.
The governor said more painful was the fact that the ruling of the Appellate Court that sat in Kaduna, remained final in the matter.
He therefore urged Adeyeye to remain calm despite the judicial pronouncement.
According to him, though shocking and unexpected, it was not the end of his political career nor his public service.
The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Yinka Oyebode, in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday, described Senator Adeyeye as a dogged fighter and a politician of repute who is loved by his people.
He said he was convinced that the former Senate spokesman would bounce back and play more significant roles in the nation’s politics.
Said Fayemi: “As we continue to deepen our democratic culture, we cannot but witness occasional setbacks of this nature. It is part of the sacrifice for our nation building.
“We must accept the decision of the appellate court- which is the final arbiter in this particular election petition, with equanimity, though painfully.
“The court’s ruling notwithstanding, Senator Adeyeye remains a credible politician with huge democratic credentials. While many may see this as a temporary setback, I urge him to brace up and see it as part of the sacrifice for the growth of democracy in the country.
“I am convinced that Senator Adeyeye will bounce back, in view of the pride of place he occupies in the hearts of his people,” the governor said.
While congratulating Senator Abiodun Olujimi for the victory, Governor Fayemi also urged her to be magnanimous in victory and ensure that Ekiti interest was paramount in her agenda at the Senate.
