Mr. Alex Blackson, a concerned member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa, has urged the party’s National Working Committee to take action against members from Southern Ijaw who he claims are attempting to disgrace the party. He made this call in a statement released on Friday, addressing recent developments that he believes misrepresent the current situation within the Bayelsa chapter of the APC.
Blackson’s statement comes in response to a press release from individuals claiming to represent the APC Executive Committee in Southern Ijaw and Ekeremor LGA. He described their claims as stemming from a fundamental misunderstanding of the party’s internal dynamics.
In his statement, Blackson clarified the legitimacy of his position regarding the suspension of Chief David Lyon, the former APC governor-elect, and the Honorable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources. He stated, “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.”
He emphasized that the court ruled in his favor, nullifying the entire party executive committee on January 20, 2023, and issued a restraining order against the individuals from representing themselves as members of the APC Exco in Bayelsa. “I hold a copy of this judgment, which remains valid and operational, as there has been no stay of execution,” he added, noting that the involved parties have failed to pursue an appeal for over a year, thereby lacking authority to convene meetings or suspend party members.
In light of these developments, Blackson called on the Commissioner of Police and relevant security agencies to remain vigilant against actions that may incite trouble in Bayelsa State. He stated, “Should these actions continue, I will not hesitate to initiate contempt of court proceedings against them.”
Finally, he urged the APC National Working Committee to not only sanction those members trying to tarnish the party’s image but also to establish an acting committee in Bayelsa to restore order within the state’s chapter.