The political crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress (APC) chapter in Rivers State has taken a new twist as the state High Court on Monday sacked the caretaker committee chairman, Tony Okocha.
Justice Sika Aprioku nullified the sack of Emeka Beke as APC chairman and reinstated him.
The court also nullified the dissolution of the elected state working committee led by Beke while simultaneously nullifying the appointment of Okocha and his caretaker committee members.
The judge further issued an order restraining Okocha and his members from parading themselves as exco members of the APC in the oil-rich state.
Reacting to the development, the reinstated Rivers APC Chairman, Beke hailed the court judgement that restored him to office as victory for democracy.
Beke expressed gratitude to the judiciary for upholding justice in the party’s leadership tussle, vowing to protect and uphold the interest of the party.
Beke, who spoke at the state party secretariat following the court judgement that favoured him, described the verdict as a victory for democracy and a testament to the party’s commitment to the rule of law.
He described Chief Okocha, the claimant to the chairmanship position of the party in the state, as a drowning man, adding that Okocha is not a member of the APC but rather a member of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Beke stressed that the party would not be intimidated or deterred from participating in the October 5 local government elections, citing President Bola Tinubu’s democratic credentials.
He stated that democracy should be allowed to thrive in Rivers State, condemning the bombing of a political party secretariat as shameful and undemocratic.
Beke expressed optimism that the National Chairman of the APC would respect the court’s judgement and chart the party’s future course.
