A former Deputy Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State, Ogeibiri Enkumor, has strongly condemned the indefinite suspension of Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), and former governorship candidate Chief David Lyon, alongside several others, for alleged anti-party activities. The suspension was announced by the APC in Ekeremor and Southern Ijaw Local Government Areas.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Enkumor asserted that the purported suspension is entirely invalid and reflects a lack of understanding among its instigators. He emphasized that there are no existing APC executives at any level in Bayelsa State, rendering any suspension efforts powerless.
“My attention has been drawn to the announcement regarding the indefinite suspension of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, former governorship candidate Chief David Lyon, and others, for alleged anti-party activities. I categorically state that this suspension is null and void, and it stems from sheer ignorance by the individuals behind it,” he stated.
He further explained that a court order issued on January 20, 2023, by Judge L. T. Cocodia of the Yenagoa High Court invalidated the congresses that produced the current party executives at the ward, local government, and state levels. As such, no one has the authority to suspend any party member.
“This situation arose due to a valid court order that nullified the congresses held on September 3rd and 4th and October 16, 2021. This order remains in effect, and the individuals involved have not obtained any superior court ruling to vacate it,” Enkumor added. He warned that the announcement of the suspension is a contempt of court and should be ignored.
He reaffirmed Lokpobiri’s status as a bona fide and respected member of the APC, noting that his leadership qualities have garnered support from various stakeholders within the party, including former Senator Bayelsa East, Sen. Degi Eremienyo, and others.
In a separate statement, APC chieftain Alex Blackson urged the party’s National Working Committee to take action against members in Southern Ijaw who are perceived as attempting to undermine the party through the suspension of Lokpobiri and Lyon.
Blackson described a recent press statement issued by individuals claiming to represent the APC Exco in Southern Ijaw and Ekeremor as a gross misunderstanding of the current state of affairs within the Bayelsa chapter of the party. He called on security agencies to remain vigilant against potential disruptions caused by these individuals.
“I filed a case in the state High Court in January 2022, challenging the legitimacy of the congress that produced the current party officials. The court’s ruling in my favor nullified the entire party executive, prohibiting these individuals from acting as representatives of the APC in Bayelsa,” Blackson stated.
He reiterated that the current leaders of the party lack the authority to suspend any member and warned that he would not hesitate to pursue contempt of court proceedings against them if their actions continued. Blackson also called on the National Working Committee of the APC to sanction those attempting to tarnish the party’s reputation and to establish an acting committee to restore order in Bayelsa.
