Rita Odafe
Heineken Lokpobiri
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa state has reinstated Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum, along with other prominent party figures whose suspensions were previously enacted.
This resolution came about after a comprehensive meeting that brought together the state executive committee, members of the state Assembly from the party, and local government representatives.
The meeting primarily aimed to tackle the internal discord stemming from the suspensions of vital party stakeholders in various local government areas, including Southern Ijaw, Ekeremor, Sagbama, and Yenagoa.
Key figures affected by the suspensions included Senator Heineken Lokpobiri and Chief David Lyon, who was the party’s gubernatorial candidate in 2019.
Following a press briefing on October 15 at the APC headquarters in Yenagoa, a formal statement was released.
The statement, which was signed by Chief Dennis Otiotio-Odoni, the chairperson, and Acting State Secretary Owutuamo Tamaranpreye, confirmed that the suspensions were lifted due to a request from the minority caucus of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly and extensive party discussions.
The communique indicated the party’s plan to postpone the confirmation of the suspensions for further dialogue with essential stakeholders, as suggested by the APC caucus in the Assembly.
Moreover, the extended executive committee and the APC Assembly Caucus denounced the actions of the Bayelsa Commissioner for Power, Mr. Kharin Kumoku, who allegedly attempted to lead an assault on the APC state secretariat.
In response, the party has urged Governor Douye Diri to take action by warning the commissioner and has called for investigations into the incident by the Commissioner of Police, Francis A. Idu, and the state Director of DSS.
The Bayelsa APC reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and expressed the desire to resolve conflicts through peaceful dialogue.
Additionally, the party encouraged its members and stakeholders to maintain decorum, highlighting the need for unity to ensure the party’s success in the state.
