Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State has called on the national leadership of the party to disqualify the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, from contesting the governorship primaries of the party over his refusal to resign his position as minister.

The party faithful, from 43 Wards in Ekeremor, Ogbia, Sagbama, Kolokuma/Opokuma and Southern Ijaw councils of the state, in a petition to the party national leadership, pointed out that at the time the minister was screened, he had not resigned.

The petition, which was signed by Doubra Kpoku, Nelson Gbeinbo, Charles Fyneman, Ogbel Joseph, Dressman Isowo, among others, and addressed to the national chairman, national secretary, legal adviser and national organising secretary of the party, said the minister’s action is a violation of the party’s constitution.

The petition is titled, “Request for Disqualification of Chief Timipre Marlin Sylva, Minister of State Petroleum Resources from participating in the All Progressives Congress (APC) Bayelsa State Gubernatorial Primaries Scheduled for April 14, 2023 or any other date.”

It reads: “We are card-carrying members of the APC, Bayelsa State chapter from various wards in different councils of the state and refer to the above captioned matter for your urgent attention and action to avoid our dear party from being ridiculed in the forthcoming governorship election slated for November 2023 or any other date.

“The grounds for our objection are as follows: As at March 25 2023 when the Honourable Minister, Chief Timipre Sylva presented himself for screening at the Ladi Kwali Hall, Abuja International Hotel, Abuja in his bid to contest the primaries, which is expected to be conducted any time soon, the minister had failed, refused and or neglected to resign his ministerial position as Minister of State for Petroleum of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“It is only reasonable that he should respect the Party Constitution by resigning 30 days before the primaries (scheduled for April 14, 2023). It is clear that as at March 25, 2023 when the Honourable Minister presented himself for the screening, it is already less than 30 days to April 14, 2023 being the date schedule for the APC governorship primaries in Bayelsa State for which the minister is an aspirant.”

They argued that the minister could not have his cake and eat it and should not be encouraged.

[GuardianNG]