Bayelsa: Lokpobiri Declares Full Commitment To APC, Denies Working With Lyon

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has refuted claims of an alliance with the All Progressives Congress (APC) 2019 governorship candidate in Bayelsa State, saying his allegiance is to the party.

Lokpobiri’s Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Nneamaka Okafor, in a statement on Monday, expressed his commitment to the APC.

According to the statement, the allegations are an attempt to tarnish Lokpobiri’s reputation as a “staunch supporter” of the APC candidate in the November 11 governorship election, Timipre Sylva.

“These baseless allegations suggest that Senator Lokpobiri and Chief David Lyon have formed an alliance with the PDP Governor Douye Diri. We categorically state that these allegations lack credibility and are merely propaganda,” it read in part.

“Senator Lokpobiri’s dedication to the APC’s principles and values is unquestionable, and he remains steadfast in his commitment to the party’s success in Bayelsa State.”

Related: Lokpobiri And Lyon Working For Diri’s Re-Election In Bayelsa

See the full statement below:

PRESS RELEASE: SENATOR HEINEKEN LOKPOBIRI REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO APC VICTORY IN BAYELSA GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION

In response to recent unfounded allegations against Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, the Honourable Minister for State Petroleum Resources (Oil), we wish to set the records straight and debunk these malicious claims.

It has come to our attention that certain false allegations are being circulated in various media outlets in an attempt to tarnish the reputation of Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Ph.D., a committed member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a staunch supporter of Chief Timipre Sylva, the APC Governorship candidate in the upcoming November 11, 2023, Governorship election in Bayelsa State.

These baseless allegations suggest that Senator Lokpobiri and Chief David Lyon have formed an alliance with the PDP Governor Douye Diri. We categorically state that these allegations lack credibility and are merely propaganda. Senator Lokpobiri’s dedication to the APC’s principles and values is unquestionable, and he remains steadfast in his commitment to the party’s success in Bayelsa State.

Senator Lokpobiri has consistently championed unity and cohesion within the State chapter of the APC and has been at the forefront of promoting the party’s agenda in Bayelsa State. Any insinuations to the contray are unfounded and untrue.

These false allegations against Senator Lokpobiri are the work of individuals and groups who do not have Bayelsa State’s best interests at heart. They are threatened by the strong and cordial relationship that exists between Senator Lokpobiri and his boss President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), a relationship aimed at bringing progress and development to the people of the state.

Despite his demanding global and national assignments in boosting the nation’s oil production, Senator Lokpobiri remains fully committed to the All Progressives Congress. He is confident that, by the grace of God, the APC will emerge victorious at the polls on November 11, 2023.

We urge the general public to disregard these baseless allegations and remain steadfast in their support for Chief Timipre Sylva’s candidacy. Any attempts to sow discord or spread false information will be met with resounding unity from both Senator Lokpobiri and Chief Sylva.

Signed: Nneamaka Okafor Special Adviser on Media and Communication to The Minister of State Petroleum (Oil)