The ongoing political saga within the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) took a dramatic turn recently, as the Rivers State High Court issued a decisive ruling that reshaped the party’s leadership structure.
On Monday, the court delivered a judgment that effectively removed Tony Okocha from his position as the caretaker committee chairman of the APC in the state. This ruling has generated significant interest and speculation among party members and political observers alike.
Presiding over the case, Justice Sika Aprioku nullified the earlier decision that had installed Tony Okocha as the caretaker committee chairman. Instead, the court reinstated Emeka Beke as the rightful chairman of the APC in Rivers State.
This decision also extended to the dissolution of the elected state working committee led by Beke, which had previously been disbanded in favor of Okocha’s caretaker committee. Justice Aprioku’s ruling reversed these actions, restoring the elected officials to their positions and thereby upholding the legitimacy of the previously established leadership under Beke.
Furthermore, the court issued an order restraining Tony Okocha and the members of his caretaker committee from presenting themselves as the executive members of the APC in Rivers State. This part of the ruling effectively strips Okocha and his supporters of any official capacity within the party’s state structure, adding another layer of complexity to the unfolding political drama.
Reacting swiftly to the court’s decision, Tony Okocha expressed his dissatisfaction and raised questions about the judge’s motives. He suggested that the judgment was flawed and insisted that he remains in charge, despite the court’s ruling. Okocha has made it clear that he plans to challenge the judgment by filing an appeal, signaling that the legal battle over the party’s leadership in Rivers State is far from over.
In contrast, Emeka Beke responded to the court’s ruling with a sense of vindication. During a separate press briefing, Beke expressed his gratitude to his supporters for their unwavering loyalty and thanked the judiciary for standing firm in the face of pressure. He emphasized that the court’s decision reaffirmed the rule of law and the principles of justice, which he believes have ultimately prevailed in this case.
Beke also addressed the broader implications of the court’s decision for the APC in Rivers State. He confirmed that the party would be actively participating in the upcoming council elections, underscoring the APC’s commitment to remaining a relevant and competitive force in the state’s political landscape.
Additionally Beke mentioned that Martin Amaewhule and 24 other lawmakers are members of the APC. He indicated that these lawmakers would be invited to publicly pledge their loyalty to the party in the near future, a move that could help to consolidate the party’s ranks and present a united front ahead of future electoral challenges.
This court ruling is the latest chapter in a series of events that have highlighted deep divisions within the Rivers State APC. The outcome of the legal battle has significant ramifications for the party’s internal cohesion and its prospects in forthcoming elections. As the situation continues to evolve, all eyes will be on the APC’s leadership in Rivers State to see how they navigate this period of uncertainty and whether they can emerge stronger and more unified.
The reinstatement of Emeka Beke as the APC chairman and the nullification of Tony Okocha’s caretaker committee represent a significant shift in the party’s dynamics. With both sides preparing for the next steps, including potential appeals and further legal proceedings,
The political future of the APC in Rivers State remains a closely watched affair. Party members, stakeholders, and political analysts will be keen to see how this leadership tussle ultimately resolves and what impact it will have on the broader political landscape in Rivers State.
