Connect with us

news

APC Suspends Petroleum Minister, Heineken Lokpobiri, David Lyon, Others

Published

1 year ago

on

 

 

The All Progressive Congress (APC) in Southern Ijaw and Ekeremor LGAs of Bayelsa state has suspended the current Minister of State, Petroleum resources (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, the 2019 governorship candidate of the party, Chief David Lyon, and other party members for alleged anti-party activities.

The party leaderships of the two LGAs who read out the suspensions seperately on Friday said the decision came having considered the report of the disciplinary committee that was set up in accordance with Article 21.3 (i) of the party’s constitution, 2022, as amended.

Those suspended from the party in Southern Ijaw LGA alongside Chief David Lyon include Mr. Jothan Amos (Former State Chairman of the APC, Bayelsa State), Hon. Godbless Diriwari (Ex-Officio member, National Executive of the party), Hon. Omiebi Fuoebi (Party stakeholder), Sabi Morgan (LGA APC Youth Leader) and Barr. Peres Biewari (Current Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Bayelsa State).

Others are Mr. Timiondi Fabofieghe (APC Chairman, Ward 3, Southern Ijaw LGA), all the ward 3 Executive members of the party, Mr. Claudius Odobu (APC Chairman, ward 4, Southern Ijaw LGA) and all ward 4 Executive members of the party.

In Ekeremor LGA, those suspended along the Minister for State, Petroleum Resources (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri, include the current Commissioner for Power, Bayelsa State, Engr. Karin Kumoko and other loyalists to the Petroleum Minister.

Reading out the notice of suspension, the chairman of the APC, Southern Ijaw LGA, Mr. Ebikazi Gbefa, noted that the suspended stakeholders has played anti-party activities since 2020 till date.

“Recall that the said stakeholders and members of the party have been involved in anti-party activities since the Senatorial bye-election in 2020 when they conspired with the People’s Democratic Party candidate and worked against our party’s candidate then, Mr. Ebifemowei Abel. For the sake of a united party, their actions were overlooked and the party refrained from taking disciplinary actions against them.

“In the 2023 National Assembly elections, the same set of stakeholders and their supporters openly worked against our National Assembly candidates.

“In the 2023 gubernatorial election in Bayelsa State, all the aforementioned members openly worked for Gov. Douye Diri of the People’s Democratic Party and some of them were compensated with contracts and appointments. For example, Barr. Perepuighe Biewari who was Chief David Lyon’s Personal Assistant, was nominated by Chief David Lyon and appointed as the current Commissioner for Lands and Survey in the Gov. Douye Diri administration in Bayelsa State.

“As we strive to rebuild the party ahead of 2027, it is our resolve to strengthen the party and build confidence in party grassroots members who believe in and have sacrificed remarkably to the party in the state. It is a common saying that ‘it is better to go to war with fewer loyal and committed soldiers than a numerous and uncommitted number of soldiers.’ It is on this premise that we, the under-signed executives of the Southern Ijaw APC hereby suspend them indefinitely from the party.

“Cases of other members who were involved in anti-party activities are being investigated and consequential actions shall be taken against them in due course,” the suspension notice read.

For the Ekeremor LGA, the Party Chairman, Senator Mitin Eniekenimi, while reading the suspension notice said “the Minister for State Petroleum Resources, Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri and his followers have been involved in anti-party activities since the 2019 gubernatorial election when he sought to be the standard bearer of the party’s flag but the party members did not support his ambition, hence he lost out and started working against the party, using his supporters to institute cases in court against the party and also establishing a factional State Secretariat of the party at the Isaac Boro Expressway, Biogbolo, Yenagoa.

The suspension notice further read in part;

“In the 2023 gubernatorial election in Bayelsa State, he led a group of disgruntled party members to openly support and work for Gov. Douye Diri of the People’s Democratic Party and was compensated by the PDP-led government of Bayelsa State. His personal Aide, Engr. Kharin Kumoko, was nominated by the Minister for State, Petroleum Resources, (Oil), Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri and appointed as the current Commissioner for Power in Bayelsa State.

“It is on record that from the day he was appointed as Minister, he has been fighting the party in Bayelsa state and has refused to make peace despite all entreaties. It is on this note that we, the under-signed executives of the Ekeremor local government area APC hereby suspend Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri and Engr. Kharin Kumoko indefinitely from the party.

“The Executive of the party in Ekeremor local government is still reviewing other cases of anti-party activities done by other party faithful and appropriate actions would be taken against anyone found guilty in the coming days.”

The both Ekeremor and Southern ljaw LGA executives conclusively noted that the suspensions of the above stakeholders are transmitted to the State Executive Committee of the APC for ratification.

The Southern Ijaw LGA executives who signed the suspension notice include; Ebikazi Gbefa,LGA APC Chairman, October Woyinkeditonmene, LGA APC Deputy Chairman, Amakiri Ayebanoah, LGA APC Secretary, Mr. Living Jackson,LGA Ass. Secretary, Christian Dise,LGA Treasurer, Abraham Fulman,LGA Financial Secretary, David Sese, LGA Organizing Secretary, Dorua Oyeintunumubofa, LGA Ass. Organizing Secretary, Dauzi Agbe Oyinmiebi, LGA Publicity Secretary and Ayibatonye Izeikumo, LGA Ass. Publicity Secretary.

Others are Eric Ebiumono, LGA Welfare Secretary, Oyinki Whitex, LGA Auditor, Princewill Matthew, LGA Ass. Auditor, Joy Steven Asimena, LGA Woman Leader, Josephine Simeon Tondeghe, LGA Ass. Woman Leader, Ossy Isaiah Ekpete, LGA Ass. Youth Leader, Sophy Timidiseghe,

LGA (Special PWD Leader), Tonweriyai Waripamo, LGA Ex-Officio I, Douye Akienkpo, LGA Ex-Officio II, Silas Koko, LGA Ex-Officio IIl and Delta Waminiye Dede,LGA Ex-Officio IV.

In Ekeremor LGA, the suspension notice was signed by Mitin Eniekenimi Senator, LGA APC Chairman and Loki Ebikeniye Misoro, LGA APC Secretary.

Related Topics:

Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact [email protected]

Continue Reading
Advertisement

news

Buratai Pays Tribute to Ihejirika at 70, Hails Mentorship and Legacy of Leadership

Published

3 days ago

on

February 14, 2026

By

Buratai Pays Tribute to Ihejirika at 70, Hails Mentorship and Legacy of Leadership

Buratai Pays Tribute to Ihejirika at 70, Hails Mentorship and Legacy of Leadership

 

Former Chief of Army Staff and Nigeria’s immediate past Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Tukur Yusuf Buratai, has paid a glowing tribute to his predecessor, Lt. Gen. OA Ihejirika, as the retired General marks his 70th birthday.

 

Buratai Pays Tribute to Ihejirika at 70, Hails Mentorship and Legacy of Leadership

In a heartfelt message released in Abuja on Friday, Buratai described Ihejirika as not only a distinguished soldier and statesman, but also a commander, mentor, and “architect of leadership” whose influence shaped a generation of senior military officers.

 

Buratai recalled that his professional rise within the Nigerian Army was significantly moulded under Ihejirika’s command, citing key appointments that defined his career trajectory.

Buratai Pays Tribute to Ihejirika at 70, Hails Mentorship and Legacy of Leadership

 

According to him, the trust reposed in him through early command responsibilities, including his first command posting at Headquarters 2 Brigade and later as Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, laid a solid foundation for his future leadership roles.

 

“These opportunities were not mere appointments; they were strategic investments in leadership,” Buratai noted, adding that such exposure prepared him for higher national responsibilities.

Buratai Pays Tribute to Ihejirika at 70, Hails Mentorship and Legacy of Leadership

He further acknowledged that the mentorship and professional grounding he received under Ihejirika’s leadership were instrumental in his eventual appointment as Chief of Army Staff and later as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin.

 

Buratai praised Ihejirika’s command philosophy, describing it as professional, pragmatic, and mission-driven. He said the former Army Chief led by example, combining firm strategic direction with a clear blueprint for excellence that continues to influence military leadership practices.

Buratai Pays Tribute to Ihejirika at 70, Hails Mentorship and Legacy of Leadership

 

“At seventy, General Ihejirika has earned the right to reflect on a legacy secured,” Buratai stated, praying for good health, peace, and enduring joy for the retired General as he enters a new decade.

 

He concluded by expressing profound gratitude for the leadership, mentorship, and lasting example provided by Ihejirika over the years.

 

The tribute was signed by Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai, who described himself as a grateful mentee and successor, underscoring the enduring bonds of mentorship within the Nigerian Army’s top leadership.

Continue Reading

news

Sagamu Plantation Row: Igimisoje-Anoko Family Challenges LG Claim

Published

1 week ago

on

February 9, 2026

By

The Odumena Igimisoje-Anoko family of Orile-Ofin in Sagamu Local Government Area of Ogun State has strongly disputed claims by the Sagamu Local Government that a large expanse of land near the Sagamu–Ikenne Road belongs to the state government, insisting that the property remains ancestral land belonging to their forefathers.
The family’s reaction follows a public warning issued by the Chairman of Sagamu Local Government, Ogbeni Jubril Olasile Odulate, cautioning residents against purchasing or occupying portions of what he described as a “state-owned rubber plantation” located beside the Ogun State Low-Cost Housing Estate near the NYSC Orientation Camp.
In the statement, the council alleged that some individuals were illegally selling and developing the land and maintained that the property had been earmarked for the proposed New Sagamu Government Reserved Area (GRA).
However, the Akarigbo family has countered the claim, describing the land as private ancestral property and not government-owned.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Omoba Babatunde Adegboyega Igimisoje, Secretary of the Odumena Igimisoje-Anoko family, said the land forms part of Orile-Ofin, which he described as the ancestral headquarters of Remo before the creation of Sagamu town.
According to him, the area is an inheritance from their forefathers and historically belongs to the Akarigbo lineage.
“Orile-Ofin is our ancestral land and the headquarters of Remo in those days. It was during the reign of our forefathers that Sagamu was later formed and settled in 1872, while Orile-Ofin remained our village,” he said.
He explained that the specific portion currently in dispute historically belonged to Oba Odumena Igimisoje-Anoko, whom he described as the last Igimisoje-Anoko to reign as king on the land.
Reacting to the local government’s ownership claim, Adegboyega insisted that the rubber plantation was never government property.
He said the land was only temporarily acquired by the old Western Region government in 1959 for agricultural purposes.
“In 1959, the Western Region acquired the land for rubber plantation, but that did not transfer ownership to the government permanently,” he stated.
The family further claimed that the land was later returned to the original owners.
According to him, during the administration of former Governor Gbenga Daniel between 2008 and 2011, steps were taken to return the land to the family, while his successor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, allegedly revoked lingering government control and formally handed it back to the Odumena Igimisoje-Anoko family.
“It was duly returned to the rightful owners. So it is surprising to now hear that the land is being described as local government property,” he said.
He cautioned the council chairman against interfering in what he called a family land matter.
“The rubber plantation land is not government land and does not belong to the local government. The chairman should not join an issue he does not fully understand,” he added.
In the same vein, Prince Abdul Fatai, an executive member of the Anoko family, also warned the local government to stay away from the land, describing it as their forefathers’ heritage.
He appealed to the Ogun State Government and the Akarigbo of Remoland to intervene in the matter to prevent tension and ensure peace in the community.
“We are calling on the state government and the Akarigbo to step in so that this issue can be resolved peacefully. This is our inheritance, and we want justice,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sagamu Local Government had maintained that the land belongs to the Ogun State Government and warned that anyone found buying, selling, fencing or developing plots in the area would face arrest and prosecution.
The dispute has now set the stage for a possible legal and administrative battle over ownership, with both sides standing firm on their claims.
Residents say they hope authorities and traditional institutions will urgently intervene to clarify ownership and prevent further conflict or losses for unsuspecting buyers.
Continue Reading

news

Sagamu Communities Exonerate Sir Kay Oluwo, Accuse Teriba of Land Invasions, Violence

Published

1 week ago

on

February 9, 2026

By

Residents of Ajeregun and eight other neighbouring communities in Sagamu Local Government Area of Ogun State have distanced businessman Sir Kay Oluwo from allegations of land grabbing and unrest in the area, instead accusing one Kazeem Teriba and his associates of orchestrating violent land invasions and illegal sales of community lands.
The community’s attempts to link Sir Kay Oluwo to the disturbances were false and misleading, maintaining that he only acquired lands through legitimate family transactions backed by agreements and receipts.
Speaking on behalf of Ajeregun and Oyewole Bakare villages, Mr. Akani Awokoya said Teriba and his group had been crossing into neighbouring communities to sell lands without the consent of rightful owners.
“It is not Sir Kay Oluwo that is disturbing us,” Awokoya said. “Kazeem Teriba and his boys are the ones causing the problem. They come into our communities and start selling our lands without permission.”
He explained that Sir Kay Oluwo purchased land lawfully from his family.
“I personally sold my father’s land to Sir Kay. We have agreements and receipts. It was a proper transaction,” he added.
Awokoya alleged that Teriba’s group had been linked to repeated acts of intimidation and violence in the area, creating fear among residents.
“These people operate like bandits. They invade communities and disturb the peace. We have reported them to the police and also petitioned the Akarigbo-in-Council,” he said.
Corroborating the claims, the Public Relations Officer representing the nine communities in Aroko Latawa village, Prince Raheem Shitta Adeoye, also absolved Sir Kay Oluwo of any wrongdoing.
According to him, the unrest being experienced across the communities began last year and was allegedly tied to Teriba and his associates.
“Sir Kay Oluwo is not disturbing anyone here. Kazeem Teriba and his boys are the ones causing the unrest. That is why all the nine communities are crying out to the government for help,” Adeoye said.
He noted that Oluwo only purchased land legitimately, while some individuals were laying claim to ownership of multiple villages.
Meanwhile, families in the affected communities, through their solicitors, Tawose & Tawose Chambers, have submitted a petition to the Inspector-General of Police over the alleged activities of Teriba and several others.
The petition accused the suspects of offences including aiding and abetting violence, conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, assault, and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.
The solicitors alleged that the named individuals invaded Ajeregun village in Sagamu armed with guns, shooting sporadically and causing panic among residents.
They further claimed that during one of the incidents, a villager, Nasiru Semiu, sustained gunshot wounds and later died, while others were injured.
In a response dated January 5, 2026, the Office of the Inspector-General of Police acknowledged receipt of the petition and directed the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, Eleweran, Abeokuta, to investigate the matter.
The letter, signed by CP Lateef Adio Ahmed, Principal Staff Officer to the Inspector-General of Police, confirmed that the case had been referred to the state command for appropriate action.
Community leaders said the development reinforces their call for a thorough investigation and urged the state government and security agencies to intervene to restore peace.
They maintained that Sir Kay Oluwo should not be blamed for the crisis and insisted that attention should instead focus on those allegedly responsible for the disturbances.
Meanwhile, Mr. Kazeem Teriba could not be reached for comment, as calls placed to his phone were not answered at the time of filing this report.
Continue Reading

Cover Of The Week

RSS Africa-Newsroom

RSS Unknown Feed

Trending