The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State has suspended several high-profile members, including the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, and its 2019 governorship candidate, David Lyon. The suspensions, which followed a disciplinary review by the party leadership, are based on allegations of anti-party activities.
Other suspended figures include Commissioner for Power Kharim Kumoko, Commissioner for Lands and Survey Peres Biewari, former APC state chairman Jothan Amos, NEC ex-officio member Godbless Diriwari, and Southern Ijaw APC Youth Leader Sabi Morgan.
Lokpobiri Accused of Collaborating with PDP
Mitin Eniekenemi Senator, the APC Chairman for Ekeremor Local Government Area, accused Senator Lokpobiri of leading a faction within the party and aligning with the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This, he said, followed Lokpobiri’s unsuccessful bid for the APC governorship ticket in 2019.
Senator claimed that Lokpobiri and his supporters actively backed Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri and the PDP in the 2023 election, allegedly in exchange for appointments and contracts from the PDP-led government.
“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,” Senator said. He added that Lokpobiri’s actions were rewarded with positions in the state government.
Lokpobiri’s Aide Appointed as Commissioner for Power
Eniekenemi further alleged that Lokpobiri nominated his personal aide, Kharim Kumoko, who now serves as the Commissioner for Power in Bayelsa State under Governor Diri’s administration.
“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,” he added, accusing Lokpobiri of refusing to reconcile with the party despite multiple efforts.
Suspension of David Lyon and Others in Southern Ijaw LGA
In a related development, the APC leadership in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, led by Ebikazi Gbefa, announced the suspension of David Lyon and seven other party members. According to Gbefa, Lyon and his allies undermined APC’s National Assembly candidates and conspired with the PDP during the 2023 gubernatorial race.
Gbefa stated, “The same set of stakeholders and their supporters openly worked against our National Assembly candidates,” further accusing them of supporting Governor Diri and the PDP. He claimed that some of these individuals were rewarded with contracts and government appointments.
Allegations Against Lyon’s Associates
Gbefa cited Perepuighe Biewari, who was Chief David Lyon’s Personal Assistant, as an example. Biewari was reportedly nominated by Lyon and appointed as the Commissioner for Lands and Survey in Governor Diri’s administration.
The suspensions of these prominent members come as the APC in Bayelsa State seeks to address internal divisions and hold members accountable for their alleged actions against the party’s interest.
