Ogeibiri Enkumor, former Deputy Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State, has dismissed the alleged suspension of Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, and Chief David Lyon, former governorship candidate, as null and void.
Enkumor cited a valid court order issued on January 20, 2023, by Judge L. T. Cocodia, which nullified the party’s congresses and executives at all levels in Bayelsa. This ruling, Enkumor argued, renders any suspension powerless.
“The Bayelsa chapter of the APC lacks existing executives from state to ward levels, making any suspension invalid,” Enkumor stated.
Enkumor emphasized that Lokpobiri remains a respected member and leader within the party, enjoying the support of stakeholders like Senator Degi Eremienyo and HRH. Israel Sunny-Goli.
Meanwhile, Alex Blackson, another APC chieftain, has called on the National Working Committee to sanction erring Southern Ijaw APC members attempting to discredit the party.
Blackson argued that these individuals misunderstand the current party situation and urged the Commissioner of Police to remain vigilant.
Blackson requested the establishment of an acting committee to restore order within the state chapter, citing a January 2022 court case he filed, which led to the nullification of the party’s executives and a restraining order against them.
The crisis in Bayelsa APC deepens as internal conflicts and court orders threaten the party’s stability.