The All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South-South region has denounced the suspension of Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, labeling it as unlawful and politically driven. Last week, the APC chapter in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State announced the suspension of Lokpobiri over alleged anti-party activities, sparking controversy within the party.
In a strongly worded statement on Wednesday, Chukwuemeke Ogbuobodo, the legal adviser for the APC in the South-South, criticized the move, asserting that the party’s constitution was not adhered to in the process. He emphasized that the APC operates under the rule of law and not the whims of individuals.
“APC is not a party for supermen but a party guided by rules of law,” Ogbuobodo stated. “As a consequence, the decision by the so-called LG Executive of APC is unknown to both the party’s constitution and the laws of the land.”
Ogbuobodo further urged party members in Bayelsa and the general public to dismiss the suspension, claiming it to be the work of individuals bent on creating confusion within the party. “To this end, we urge party members in Bayelsa State and members of the general public to disregard the purported suspension of Senator Lokpobiri by individuals who are out to cause confusion in the Bayelsa State chapter of the party,” he said.
Lokpobiri, who has been a prominent political figure in Bayelsa, is widely regarded for his role in bringing development projects to the region during his tenure as minister. Ogbuobodo praised his contributions and accused those behind the suspension of acting out of envy and personal vendettas.
“Senator Heineken Lokpobiri has demonstrated capacity as minister and has attracted meaningful development projects to Bayelsa in particular and the South-South region in general,” Ogbuobodo added. “The action of these individuals was borne out of envy and a wicked plot to destabilize APC in Bayelsa State and the South-South Zone.”
The legal adviser condemned the suspension, urging all well-meaning APC members across the country to reject what he described as an unlawful act aimed at destabilizing the party in the state and the region. “This is why we condemn and reject the unlawful act and we urge all well-meaning party members in the country to do the same,” he concluded.
