APC member calls for sanctions against Southern Ijaw members

Bayelsa APC member Alex Blackson has called for sanctions against certain Southern Ijaw members, accusing them of disgracing the party and urging the APC National Working Committee to act.

A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa, Alex Blackson, has called on the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party to sanction certain members from Southern Ijaw who he claims are bringing disrepute to the APC. According to Blackson, recent actions and statements by individuals claiming to represent the APC exco in Southern Ijaw and Ekeremor Local Government Areas are rooted in a misunderstanding of the present political situation in the state chapter.

In a statement released on Friday, Blackson expressed concern that these actions, if left unchecked, could destabilise the party in Bayelsa. He urged the Commissioner of Police and relevant security agencies to monitor the activities of these individuals, who he accused of attempting to foment unrest in the state.

“You may have seen a recent press statement released by individuals claiming to represent the APC Exco from Southern Ijaw and Ekeremor LGA. It is important to clarify that this statement stems from a complete misunderstanding of the current situation within the Bayelsa chapter of the APC,” Blackson said.

He also addressed claims regarding the suspension of Chief David Lyon, the former APC governorship candidate, and Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil). Blackson emphasised that a court ruling from January 2023 invalidated the congress that produced the current party executives, thus rendering any such suspensions void.

“I filed a case in the state High Court in January 2022, challenging the legitimacy of the congress that produced the current party officials at the state, LGA, and ward levels. The court agreed with my arguments, and on January 20, 2023, delivered a judgment nullifying the entire party exco,” Blackson stated. He further revealed that the restraining order issued by the court remains in effect as no appeal has been pursued by the concerned individuals.

Blackson reiterated his call for immediate action from the National Working Committee of the APC, urging them to establish an acting committee to restore order in the Bayelsa chapter. He warned that if the erring members persist in their actions, he would initiate contempt of court proceedings against them.