The All Progressives Congress (APC) executives in Ekeremor and Southern Ijaw Local Government Areas of Bayelsa State, have announced the suspension of key party members, including the Minister of State for Petroleum, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, and the 2019 governorship candidate of the state, David Lyon.
Two serving commissioners in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)-led Bayelsa State government, who are also APC members were among those suspended.
The suspensions were reportedly due to anti-party activities and alleged factionalisation of the party at the state level.
The Chairman of APC in Ekeremor Local Government Area, Mitin Eniekenemi, confirmed the suspension of Senator Lokpobiri and the Commissioner for Power, Engr. Karin Kumoko.
Addressing journalists, Eniekenemi said the action was based on the findings of an internal disciplinary committee set up under Article 21.3(1) of the APC Constitution.
In a related development, the APC executives in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area also announced the suspension of David Lyon, the 2019 APC governorship candidate, and the Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Barr. Peres Biewari, along with six other members for alleged anti-party activities and gross misconduct.
The suspended members were accused of undermining the party’s interests, particularly during the 2020 Bayelsa State bye-election. According to the APC leadership, investigations are ongoing, and additional findings regarding other members involved in anti-party activities will be made public once the inquiries are concluded.