Former Deputy Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State, Ogebiri Orubebemienkumo, has declared null and void, the suspension of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, and former governorship candidate of the party, Chief David Lyon, along with several others over alleged anti-party activities.

According to Orubebemienkumo, the alleged suspension of the affected persons by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekeremor and Southern Ijaw local government areas is of no effect whatsoever.

Orubebemienkumo in a statement issued on Friday in Yenagoa, said: “For the record, the Bayelsa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) does not have an existing executive from the state level down to the ward level across the state.

“This situation arose due to a valid court order issued on January 20, 2023, by Judge L. T. Cocodia of the Yenagoa High Court. The order nullified the congresses of the Wards, Local Government Areas, and the State, held on September 3rdand 4th, and October 16th, 2021.”

“The court order also set aside the congresses conducted on the aforementioned dates and granted an order of perpetual injunction restraining anyone from parading themselves as executives of the party.

“To the best of my knowledge, this order has not been vacated by any superior court, leaving one to wonder on what basis anyone would wake up and announce the indefinite suspension of critical stakeholders and respected leaders of the party.

“In light of the above, the purported suspension constitutes a contempt of court and should be completely disregarded, as one cannot place something on nothing.

“The Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) remains not only a bonafide member of our great party but also a well-respected leader within the party. The same can be said of Chief David Lyon as well as other chieftains listed in the suspension announced.

“As a matter of fact, the exceptional leadership exhibited by the Honourable Minister of Petroleum Resources for State, Lokpobiri, is the reason why all well-meaning stakeholders within the party are solidly behind him.

“The likes of former Senator Bayelsa East, Sen. Degi Eremienyo, former member, House of Representatives, Brass/Nembe Federal Constituency, Israel Sunny-Goli and a host of others have shown unwavering support for the leadership of Minister Lokpobiri.”