The internal political turmoil within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has taken a significant turn as the state high court on Monday sacked Tony Okocha from his position as caretaker committee chairman.
In a ruling by Justice Sika Aprioku, the court nullified the earlier dismissal of Emeka Beke as APC chairman and reinstated him to his position.
Justice Aprioku’s judgment also overturned the dissolution of the elected state working committee led by Beke, effectively nullifying the appointment of Okocha and his caretaker committee members. Furthermore, the court issued a restraining order preventing Okocha and his committee members from parading themselves as executives of the APC in Rivers State.
In response to the ruling, Tony Okocha expressed dissatisfaction and questioned the judge’s motives in delivering the judgment against him. He insisted that he remains in charge and announced his intention to appeal the judgment.
Meanwhile, Emeka Beke, in a separate press briefing, expressed gratitude to his supporters for their steadfastness and to the judiciary for standing firm. Beke assured that the APC would participate in the upcoming council elections and mentioned that Martin Amaewhule, along with 24 other lawmakers, are members of the APC. He noted that they would be invited to pledge their loyalty to the party in the coming days.
This development marks another chapter in the ongoing power struggle within the APC’s Rivers State chapter, as both sides prepare for further legal and political battles.