Ex-APC Deputy Chair declares Lokpobiri, Lyon’s suspension invalid

A former Deputy Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State, Ogeibiri Enkumor, has condemned the recent indefinite suspension of Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, former gubernatorial candidate Chief David Lyon, and others.

The suspension, allegedly for anti-party activities in Ekeremor and Southern Ijaw Local Government Areas, was termed by Enkumor as legally baseless.

In a statement released Saturday, Enkumor condemned the decision, describing it as “null and void” and stating it was rooted in ignorance.

He asserted that no one in the Bayelsa APC currently has the authority to impose suspensions, as the party lacks an active executive structure from state down to ward levels.

Enkumor further emphasized that Lokpobiri remains a committed and esteemed member of the APC, with widespread support among party stakeholders.

He added that Lokpobiri’s strong leadership has earned him steadfast support from notable party figures, including former Senator Degi Eremienyo and former House of Representatives member Israel Sunny-Goli.

Enkumor emphasized that these stakeholders remain aligned with Lokpobiri’s leadership, calling for the suspension to be disregarded as “a contempt of court.”

The statement reads, “My attention has been drawn to the announcement regarding the indefinite suspension of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, Former governorship candidate of our party, Chief David Lyon along with several others, for alleged anti-party activities by the All Progressives Congress in Ekeremor and Southern Ijaw Local Government Areas.

“To clarify, I emphatically and unequivocally state that this purported suspension is entirely null and void, and is an act borne out of sheer ignorance by the individuals behind it. For the record, the Bayelsa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) does not have an existing executive from the state level down to the ward level across the state.

“This situation arose due to a valid court order issued on January 20, 2023, by Judge L. T. Cocodia of the Yenagoa High Court. The order nullified the congresses of the Wards, Local Government Areas, and the State, held on September 3rd and 4th, and October 16, 2021. The court order also set aside the congresses conducted on the aforementioned dates and granted an order of perpetual injunction restraining anyone from parading themselves as executives of the party.

“To the best of my knowledge, this order has not been vacated by any superior court, leaving one to wonder on what basis anyone would wake up and announce the indefinite suspension of critical stakeholders and respected leaders of the party. In light of the above, the purported suspension constitutes a contempt of court and should be completely disregarded, as one can not place something on nothing.

“The Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) remains not only a bonafide member of our great party but also a well-respected leader within the party. The same can be said of Chief David Lyon as well as other chieftains listed in the suspension announced.

“The exceptional leadership exhibited by the Honourable Minister of Petroleum Resources for State, Lokpobiri is the reason why all well-meaning stakeholders within the party are solidly behind him. The likes of former Senator Bayelsa East, Sen. Degi Eremienyo, former member, House of Representatives, Brass/Nembe Federal Constituency, HRH. Israel Sunny-Goli and a host of others have shown unwavering support for the leadership of Minister Lokpobiri.”