Court Reinstates Emeka Beke as APC Rivers Chairman

The Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has reinstated Emeka Beke as the legitimate chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State.

This decision comes after the court dismissed the seven-member Caretaker Committee led by Tony Okocha, which had been appointed by the APC's National Working Committee.

Justice Sika Aprioku, who presided over the case, issued a perpetual injunction against the Okocha-led committee, prohibiting them from interfering with the Beke-led executive until the end of their four-year term.

"The appointment of the seven-member caretaker committee led by Chief Tony Okocha is null and void, with no legal standing," declared Justice Aprioku.

The judge emphasized that the committee members had no legal existence and criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for supporting the dissolution of the democratically elected APC executives.

The court also directed the APC’s national leadership to recognize the Beke-led executive as the party’s authentic leadership until their term expires.

"Leaders of political parties must adhere to their own constitutions and avoid acting recklessly," warned Justice Aprioku, highlighting the importance of following established rules and procedures.

Additionally, the court awarded N300,000 in costs to the Beke-led executive, further solidifying their position.

The judge dismissed preliminary objections raised by the defendants regarding the justification and the application for joinder by additional parties.