Tension is escalating within the Bayelsa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the party’s State Executive Council (SEC) plans to ratify the suspension of Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of State for Petroleum, and Chief David Lyon, the APC’s 2019 governorship candidate, along with their supporters.

Several key APC members loyal to Lokpobiri and Lyon were suspended over the weekend by their respective local government party chapters for alleged anti-party activities.

Among those suspended were Commissioner for Power, Kharim Kumoko; Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Peres Biewari; former APC State Chairman, Jothan Amos; and APC Youth Leader for Southern Ijaw, Sabi Morgan.

Tensions flared on Sunday when thugs disrupted a press conference by the APC’s Yenagoa chapter, which was set to announce the suspension of more members. The attackers destroyed property and injured journalists at the scene.

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Subsequently, the APC state executive committee met on Monday but postponed the ratification of the suspensions.

Speaking with Daily Trust yesterday, State Chairman, Barrister Dennis Otiotio, said the party’s constitution mandates that suspensions enacted by local government chapters must be ratified by the state executive.

He added that the decision was, however, delayed following consultations with the APC caucus in the State House of Assembly and local government chapter chairmen, who requested more time for further discussions.

“We met on Monday and, after consulting with the caucus and chairmen, we decided to allow for more consultations before proceeding with the ratifications,” Otiotio said.

In a related development, an APC chieftain has vowed to initiate contempt proceedings against House of Assembly member Selekaye Victor-Ben, the party’s State Chairman, Dr Dennis Otiotio, and other party leaders.

The lawsuit pertains to a January 2023 court judgment that nullified the APC’s ward, local government and state congresses in Bayelsa State.

Speaking to journalists, Barrister Blankson, representing his client, Alex Blankson, displayed the court ruling, which prohibits the APC from recognising any officials produced by the annulled congresses.

He criticised the APC leaders for disregarding the court’s decision and vowed to pursue legal action.