The executives of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekeremor and Southern Ijaw local government areas of Bayelsa State on Friday announced the suspension of the Minister of State for Petroleum, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, for alleged anti-party activities and the purported factionalisation of the party at the state level.
The APC executives also suspended several other key members of the party including its 2019 governorship candidate in Bayelsa state, David Lyon.
Also suspended are two commissioners who are currently serving in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led Bayelsa State government, and the Commissioner for Power, Engr. Karin Kumoko.
The Chairman of the APC in Ekeremor Local Government Area, Mitin Eniekenemi, confirmed the party’s suspension of Lokpobiri and the other key members.
Eniekenemi, while addressing journalists, explained that the decision was based on findings from an internal disciplinary committee, as stipulated under Article 21.3(1) of the APC Constitution.
Meanwhile, in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, the APC executives announced the suspension of David Lyon, Barr. Peres Biewari, the Commissioner for Lands and Survey, along with six other party members.
Channels Television reports that the suspensions were linked to alleged anti-party activities and gross misconduct, particularly during the 2020 Bayelsa State bye-election.
The party’s leadership stated that investigations are ongoing, and further updates on the inquiry, including additional suspensions, will be made public once the process is complete.