By Felicia Udeji
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State has taken a bold step by suspending some of its key members, including Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, and David Lyon, the party’s 2019 governorship candidate. This decision was made due to alleged anti-party activities, which is a serious offense in any political party.
Some of the other suspended members include: Kharim Kumoko, Commissioner for Power, Peres Biewari, Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Jothan Amos, former state APC chairman, Godbless Diriwari, ex-officio member of the APC National Executive Council, Sabi Morgan, Southern Ijaw APC Youth Leader.
Local Government Chairmen: Omiebi Fuoebi, APC Ward 3 Chairman, Claudius Odobu, Ward 4 Chairman
According to the Chairman of APC in Ekeremor Local Government Area, Mitin Eniekenemi Senator, Lokpobiri’s suspension is indefinite and is based on a report by the party’s disciplinary committee. Lokpobiri is accused of supporting a faction within the party and backing Governor Douye Diri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 Bayelsa gubernatorial election ¹. Similarly, David Lyon and seven others were suspended for undermining the party’s candidates during recent elections and supporting the PDP.
These suspensions have been referred to the APC State Executive Council for ratification. The party’s decision to take action against its own members shows its commitment to discipline and unity.