A recent announcement regarding the indefinite suspension of Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, and former governorship candidate Chief David Lyon has sparked controversy in Bayelsa State. Ogeibiri Enkumor, a former Deputy Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, has vehemently condemned the action, deeming it unlawful and rooted in ignorance.

Enkumor issued a statement asserting that the suspension is entirely null and void, emphasizing that the party currently lacks an executive structure at both the state and ward levels. He pointed out that without this framework, no individual has the authority to suspend any member of the party.

“My attention has been drawn to the announcement regarding the indefinite suspension of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, former governorship candidate Chief David Lyon, and others for alleged anti-party activities by the APC in Ekeremor and Southern Ijaw Local Government Areas,” Enkumor stated.

He clarified, “This purported suspension is a product of sheer ignorance by those involved. The Bayelsa State chapter of the APC does not have an active executive at any level due to a court order issued on January 20, 2023. This order nullified the congresses held on September 3 and 4, as well as October 16, 2021, and it prohibits anyone from claiming to be party executives.”

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Enkumor expressed disbelief at how individuals could announce the suspension of key party leaders when a valid court order remains in place, questioning the basis of such actions. He insisted that Lokpobiri is a bona fide and respected member of the APC.

“The Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources is not only a legitimate member of our party but also a well-respected leader,” he added, emphasizing the strong support Lokpobiri has among party stakeholders, including former Senator Degi Eremienyo and HRH. Israel Sunny-Goli.

In a related statement, another APC chieftain, Alex Blackson, called for the party’s National Working Committee to take action against Southern Ijaw members allegedly trying to disgrace the party over this suspension. He described a recent press release from individuals claiming to represent the APC Exco as a significant misunderstanding of the party’s current status in Bayelsa.

Blackson urged local law enforcement to be alert to the actions of these individuals, who he believes are attempting to create discord within the state. He emphasized the need for party leaders to quickly establish an acting committee to restore order, highlighting the potential for legal action against those undermining the party’s integrity.

“The court has ruled that the current party officials lack legitimacy, and without any stay of execution, their claims to authority are baseless,” Blackson reiterated, calling for prompt corrective measures to be taken within the APC in Bayelsa.