… Distances From Tony Okocha’s Suit Stopping Elections
The Rivers State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) led by Emeka Beke has reaffirmed its commitment to participating in the forthcoming Local Government elections scheduled for October 5, 2024.
In a statement signed by the Chairman, APC Rivers State, Chief Emeka Beke, and State Secretary, APC Rivers State, Hon. Sam Etetegwung, the party declared its total support for the conduct of the elections.
The statement referenced the party’s struggles with internal conflicts, specifically the attempt by some National Working Committee members to dissolve the elected State Executive Committee and replace it with a caretaker committee led by Chief Tony Okocha.
However, the High Court of Rivers State ruled in favour of the Beke-led Executive Committee, affirming its validity until 2025.
The party noted that the High Court of Rivers State’s judgment in Suit No. PHC/2696/CS/2024, compelling the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to proceed with the local government election, takes precedence over the Federal High Court’s judgment in Suit No. PHC/ABJ/CS/987/2024.
The party said it is because the former judgment was made first, and when two equities are equal, the first in time prevails.
However, the statement distanced the Rivers APC from the suit filed by Tony Okocha, describing him as an impostor with no authority to represent the party.
“We, however, hereby notify you that Chief Tony Okocha, who filed that suit purportedly as ‘Chairman, Caretaker Committee’ of the All Progressives Congress, Rivers State Chapter, is an impostor and totally unknown to the Rivers Chapter of the All Progressives Congress.
“He is neither the Chairman nor is he a leader in any capacity whatsoever. He (Chief Tony Okocha) does not also have the authority of the leadership of the party in Rivers State as constituted under Chief Emeka Beke, to file or maintain the said suit on its behalf.”
The party reiterated that, under its constitution, the State Executive Committee determines participation in local government elections.
They urged the public and institutions to disregard Tony Okocha’s actions and participate fully in the October 5 local government election. With its candidates’ names submitted, the Rivers APC is ready to contest the elections.
Rivers APC Declares Support For October 5 LG Polls is first published on The Whistler Newspaper