…Says Otiotio-led exco not recognised, has no power to suspend members
Isaac Money – Yenagoa
Crisis erupts in Bayelsa state All Progressive Party (APC) following the suspension of two chieftains of the party, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri and one time governor – elect in Bayelsa state, Chief David Lyon amongst others.
Alex Blankson, addressing the Press in Yenagoa on Friday
A group allegedly loyal to the Chief Timipre Sylva led APC in the state announced the suspension of the duo on Friday.
The suspension is linked to allegations of anti-party activities.
Countering the purported suspension, a group said to be loyal to Senator Lokpobiri and Lyon advised the general public to disregard the suspension order alleging that the Barr. Dennis Otiotio – led exco is not recognised since 2023 following a court order in Yenagoa.
Mr. Alex Blankson, a stakeholder of APC in the state who addressed Journalists in Yenagoa Friday afternoon said he had filed a case
challenging the legitimacy that produced the Otiotio-led exco at the High Court Yenagoa in 2022 upon the outcome of the ward, LGA and state Congress elections.
Blankson who flaunted a copy of the judgement recalled that the court agreed with his arguments and nullified the entire exco from ward to state level.
He alleged that when the Chief Sylva led group appealed the case they failed to take necessary steps up till today.
“When the case was appealed they failed to take necessary steps. “They failed to pursue their appeal for over a year,” he said adding that they have no authority to convene any meeting.
He warned that failure to comply with the existing court order “they will initiate contempt of court proceedings against them”.
He appealed to the commissioner of police Bayelsa State and other security agencies to remain vigilant on the activities of those they described as trying to foment troubles.
Also reacting to the suspension of Lokpobiri, Lyon and others, Chief
Oribebemiekumo Ogeibiri, immediate past Deputy State chairman said Bayelsa state APC has no working committee from the state to the ward level.
He said Otiorio-led ezxo purpoted to have appealed the judgement of 2023 which declared the state exco null.and void.
“They went to supreme court to have a stay of execution and withdrew it.The national is aware.
“In our last convention Bayelsa delicates were not allowed to vote because there was no proper exco” said Ogobiri who appealed to ” the public to disregard any publication by any group of persons on the purported suspension announcement.
“Who ever that is sponsoring them is doing it for his political ambition.
“Sen.Heineken Lokpobiri wants to build the party that is why you see the likes of Sen. Degi, Sunny Goli and others came to support him to build a formidable strong party in Bayelsa state.
“As far as I’m.concerned there is no suspension from anybody.
“Any suspension have to.emanate from the wards where you have no valid ward exco, where do you have such powers.
“Heineken Lokpobiri is a loyal leader of the party , Chief David Lyon is also.a leader of the party”, he added.
Barr. Osom Blankson, another stakeholder of the APC in the state also spoke in the same vain , saying Lokpobiri ,Lyon and others are still members of the APC in the state.
He also noted that the Court order nullifying the Barr. Otiorio – led exco still stands.
