— Urge Governor Diri to Guard Against Political Manipulation
The Bayelsa State Elders Forum of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has raised alarm over what it described as a growing campaign of internal sabotage and misinformation targeted at senior party figures, particularly former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and ex-Governor, Chief Timipre Sylva, CON.
In a statement made available to Kogi Global News and signed by Chief Clarkson Ayebaepreye, Secretary of the APC Bayelsa Elders Forum, the group condemned the malicious propaganda being circulated by a faction allegedly led by the current Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, and former federal lawmaker Hon. Israel Sunny-Goli.
According to the Forum, a series of recent media publications attempting to link Chief Sylva to anti-party activities or disloyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are baseless, mischievous, and designed to fracture the APC’s unity in Bayelsa State.
A discreet inquiry by the elders, the statement revealed, found that the allegations originated from a small internal cabal acting in concert with external political interests who thrive on division.
“It is regrettable that Senator Lokpobiri, who has twice benefited from ministerial appointments under the APC, has chosen to invest his influence in intra-party hostilities instead of strengthening party cohesion,” the statement read.
The Forum urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and advise Senator Lokpobiri to desist from acts capable of undermining the party’s image and distracting from the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Addressing recent overtures between Governor Douye Diri and some APC figures, the Forum called for caution, noting that while political collaboration can promote peace, it should not become a tool for manipulation by individuals seeking personal gain.
“Governor Diri must serve as a leader for all Bayelsans — not as a pawn in factional games. The state needs unity and responsible governance, not opportunistic alliances disguised as cooperation,” the statement added.
Reaffirming its loyalty to President Tinubu and commitment to APC’s founding ideals of unity, discipline, and loyalty, the Forum pledged to continue defending Chief Timipre Sylva against politically motivated blackmail.
“Political relevance is sustained through service, not sabotage. It is time to replace blackmail with bridge-building and bitterness with brotherhood,” the elders concluded.
Signed
Chief Clarkson Ayebaepreye
Secretary, APC Bayelsa Elders Forum
Yenagoa
09160256581
