APC Suspends Oil Minister, Heineken Lokpobiri, and 9 Others Over Anti-Party Activities

Bayelsa APC Cracks Down on Rebels

This move by the APC is likely aimed at maintaining party discipline and addressing internal conflicts that...

APC Suspends Top Members: Bayelsa State Chapter Takes Disciplinary Action Against Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, David Lyon & Others Over Anti-Party Activities.

The APC has taken drastic measures against some of its members in Bayelsa State, including Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, and nine others, citing anti-party activities.

The APC leadership in Southern Ijaw LGA also noted that the suspended stakeholders have been involved in anti-party activities since the 2020 senatorial bye-election, working against the party's candidates in various elections.

Some of the alleged anti-party activities include:

Supporting the People's Democratic Party candidate in the 2020 senatorial bye-election

Working against APC's National Assembly candidates in the 2023 elections

Backing Governor Douye Diri of the People's Democratic Party in the 2023 gubernatorial election.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken disciplinary action against some of its key members in Bayelsa State, suspending Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, and David Lyon, the party's 2019 gubernatorial candidate, due to alleged anti-party activities.

 Suspended Members Include: 

Claudius Odob: APC Ward 4 Southern Ijaw Chairman

All ward executive members of Ward 3 and 4

Heineken Lokpobiri: Minister of State for Petroleum Resources

David Lyon: 2019 governorship candidate

Kharim Kumoko: State Commissioner for Power

Peres Biewari: Commissioner for Lands and Survey

Jothan Amos: Former APC state chairman

Godbless Diriwari: Ex-Officio member, National Executive of the party

Godbless Diriwari: Ex-officio member of the National Executive Council

Sabi Morgan: Southern Ijaw APC Youth Leader

This move by the APC is likely aimed at maintaining party discipline and addressing internal conflicts that could impact future elections. The suspension of these prominent members underscores the party's commitment to upholding its values and principles.

The APC's disciplinary committee, established under Article 21.3(i) of the party's amended constitution of 2022, has recommended the suspension of Senator Heineken Lokpobiri and his supporters due to alleged anti-party activities since the 2019 gubernatorial election. According to the senator, Lokpobiri's actions were motivated by his failure to secure the APC ticket.

Some of the alleged anti-party activities include Lokpobiri using his followers to file lawsuits against the party and establishing a factional state secretariat. The senator made these allegations while announcing the suspension in Yenagoa, the state capital, on Friday, October 11. This move is seen as a significant step by the APC to address internal conflicts and reinforce party loyalty.

Allegations Against Lokpobiri:

Filing Lawsuits: Lokpobiri allegedly used his followers to file lawsuits against the party.

Establishing a Factional State Secretariat: Lokpobiri is accused of setting up a separate state secretariat, which is seen as a challenge to the party's official structure.

These allegations suggest that Lokpobiri's actions were aimed at undermining the party's authority and creating divisions within the APC. The suspension is likely to have significant implications for Lokpobiri's future within the party.

“In the 2023 gubernatorial election in Bayelsa State, he led a group of disgruntled party members to openly support and work for Gov. Douye Diri of the Peoples Democratic Party and was compensated by by the PDP-led government of Bayelsa State,” he stated. 

“His personal aide, Kharim Kumoko, was nominated by the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri and appointed as the current Commissioner for Power in Bayelsa State.

“It is on record that since the day he was appointed as minister, he has been fighting the party in Bayelsa State and has refused to make peace despite all entreaties.”

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken disciplinary action against some of its key members in Bayelsa State, including Chief David Lyon, the 2019 governorship candidate, and seven others. This decision was made by the APC Chairman for Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Ebikazi Gbefa, along with local government executive council members, citing allegations of anti-party activities.

The suspended members allegedly conspired against the APC candidate, Abel Ebifemowei, during the 2020 Bayelsa Central senatorial bye-election. Gbefa referenced Article 21.3(i) of the party constitution in his announcement, emphasizing the party's commitment to upholding its values and principles.

List of Suspended Members:

Chief David Lyon: 2019 governorship candidate

Jothan Amos: Former State Chairman of the APC, Bayelsa State

Godbless Diriwari: Ex-Officio member, National Executive of the party

Omiebi Fuoebi: Party stakeholder

Sabi Morgan: LGA APC Youth Leader

Peres Biewari: Current Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Bayelsa State

Timiondi Fabofieghe: APC Chairman, Ward 3, Southern Ijaw LGA

Claudius Odobu: APC Chairman, Ward 4, Southern Ijaw LGA

The APC has also suspended Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, and his followers, including Karin Kumoko, the Commissioner for Power, due to similar allegations of anti-party activities.

“Some of them were compensated with contracts and appointments. For example, Perepuighe Biewari who was Chief David Lyon's Personal Assistant, was nominated by Chief David Lyon and appointed as the current Commissioner for Lands and Survey in the Gov. Douye Diri administration in Bayelsa State.

“As we strive to rebuild the party ahead of 2027, it is our resolve to strengthen the party and build confidence in party grassroots members who believe in and have sacrificed remarkably to the party in the state,” he added.

Both factions have formally submitted the disciplinary actions against Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, David Lyon, and other party members to the Bayelsa State Executive Council for approval and confirmation. This move is in line with the party's constitutional procedures to ensure that the suspensions are ratified and officially recognized.

The Bayelsa State Executive Council, led by Governor Senator Douye Diri, will review the submissions and make a final decision on the matter. The council comprises key officials, including the Deputy Governor, Secretary to the State Government, Chief of Staff, and Commissioners in charge of various ministries and departments.

By submitting the disciplinary actions to the state executive council, both groups are seeking to formalize the suspensions and ensure that they are enforced in accordance with the party's constitution and rules. This development highlights the ongoing efforts to address internal conflicts and reinforce party loyalty within the APC in Bayelsa State.