Fatshimetrie: Bayelsa APC Party Members Confused Over Statements by Some Exco Members
The recent statement made by individuals claiming to represent the Southern Ijaw and Ekeremor LGA APC Exco has thrown the party into confusion. Concerned APC member, Alex Blackson, has urged the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress to sanction members of the Southern Ijaw APC who are seeking to damage the reputation of the party.
In a statement issued on Friday, Alex said the statement stemmed from a serious misunderstanding of the current situation within the Bayelsa chapter of the party. He called on the Commissioner of Police and all relevant security agencies to remain vigilant over the actions of these individuals who are seeking to cause trouble in Bayelsa State. Furthermore, he urged the party leaders to quickly establish a caretaker committee to restore order in the state chapter.
Alex was keen to clarify the claims regarding the suspension of the former APC Governor-elect, Chief David Lyon and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources. He explained that he had filed a suit in the state High Court in January 2022 to challenge the legitimacy of the congress that elected the current party officials at the state, LGA and sector levels.
The court ruling delivered on January 20, 2023, vindicated his arguments by nullifying the entire Exco of the party. Alex noted that a restraining order was issued against these individuals preventing them from running as chairmen or members of the APC Exco in Bayelsa.
He claimed to have a copy of the court ruling which is valid and enforceable as no stay of execution was granted. He also pointed out that the individuals concerned had not taken any steps to appeal the decision in a year, thereby neglecting the necessary steps before the Court of Appeal. Consequently, these individuals have no authority to convene meetings or suspend members of the party.
Alex warned the Police and security agencies against the activities of these individuals seeking to cause trouble in Bayelsa State. He warned that if such activities persist, he would not hesitate to initiate contempt of court proceedings against them.
In conclusion, he appealed to the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress to take steps to sanction the individuals attempting to discredit the party. He also urged the Committee to set up an interim committee to restore order in the Bayelsa State chapter.