A Rivers State High Court, presided over by Justice Sika Aprioku in Port Harcourt, has ruled against the Caretaker Committee (CTC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, led by Tony Okocha, which was inaugurated by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC). The court ordered the reinstatement of the Beke-led leadership of the party, which had been suspended and removed by the national leadership.
The ruling came after a lawsuit was filed by some APC members, including Sam Etetegwung and Banarth Ezemoye, challenging the removal of Beke’s leadership. Justice Aprioku issued a perpetual injunction, preventing Okocha’s CTC from interfering with Beke’s leadership until the expiration of their four-year tenure. The court also directed the national leadership of the APC to recognize Beke’s executive as the legitimate leadership of the party in Rivers State.
Justice Aprioku criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for supporting the dissolution of elected executives throughout the suit and emphasized that political parties must adhere to their own constitutions. The judge also highlighted that the NWC of the APC failed to provide substantial evidence to justify their actions, which were based on unproven allegations of anti-party activities. The court awarded N300,000 in costs in favor of Beke’s leadership.
Reacting to the ruling, Tony Okocha, the embattled CTC chairman, announced plans to challenge the judgment in the Court of Appeal and, if necessary, the Supreme Court. He alleged that the judgment was influenced and urged his supporters to remain calm and committed to the party.
Meanwhile, Emeka Beke, the reinstated APC chairman, expressed gratitude to the judiciary for upholding justice and described the ruling as a victory for democracy. He emphasized the party’s commitment to participating in the upcoming October 5 local government elections and urged respect for the rule of law.
Beke also condemned the recent bombing of the Action Peoples Party secretariat, calling it a “shame” and not reflective of true democracy in Rivers State. He hinted at an upcoming stakeholders’ meeting to discuss the party’s future direction in the state.
