Rivers State Governor Similaiye Fubara

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly contested the recent court ruling that removed the Tony Okocha-led caretaker committee in Rivers State. The party asserts that the court lacks jurisdiction to make such a decision, setting the stage for a legal battle over the state’s leadership.

In a surprising turn of events, a Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt nullified the dissolution of the Emeka Beke-led executive of the APC in the state. Justice Sika Aprioku ruled that the National Working Committee of the party acted beyond its authority by dissolving the elected executives led by Emeka Beke.

According to the court, the APC’s National Working Committee cannot establish a caretaker committee while the elected executive’s tenure is still ongoing.

The Tony Okocha-led caretaker committee has maintained its position, citing an earlier Supreme Court ruling that supports their legitimacy. Chibuike Ikenga, the Spokesman of the Rivers APC Caretaker Committee, dismissed the court’s decision as “an effort in futility.”

He emphasized that the court cannot compel individuals removed for anti-party activities to lead the party in the state, especially considering their support for Atiku Abubakar of the PDP during the campaign.