NIGERIA: Rivers APC Takes Legal Battle To Appeal Court After High Court Nullifies Congresses

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

In a dramatic turn of events, the political atmosphere in Rivers State has been thrown into turmoil as the State High Court in Port Harcourt nullified the congresses of the All Progressives Congress (APC) that had produced Chief Tony Okocha as the party’s chairman.

The court’s decision follows a contempt of court proceeding initiated by the faction loyal to the reinstated chairman, Chief Emeka Beke.

Presiding over the matter, Justice Godswill Obomanu nullified the congresses, emphasizing that the APC had acted in defiance of a court order mandating the party to maintain the status quo.

The court had previously barred the conduct of the congresses, but the APC proceeded with the exercise, prompting aggrieved members to return to court to seek the nullification of the process.

Justice Obomanu expressed dissatisfaction with the party’s disregard for judicial authority, noting that such actions undermine the rule of law.

The judge consequently stayed further proceedings and adjourned the case indefinitely, leaving the party in a precarious situation.

However, the Okocha-led faction of the APC swiftly dismissed the ruling as biased.

Speaking on behalf of the faction, Publicity Secretary Chibuike Ikenga accused Justice Obomanu of favoritism, alleging that the judge’s ruling was influenced by his ties to Rivers State Governor Siminakayi Fubara.

Ikenga said: “It was expected, putting into consideration that Justice Obomanu hails from the same place as the Governor of Rivers State.

“This judgment is a calculated move to suffocate our party, orchestrated by collaborators who have aligned with the governor.”

Ikenga further criticised the High Court for overreaching its jurisdiction, claiming it was “sitting on appeal in a case already being addressed by the Court of Appeal.”

Despite this setback, he assured party members that the faction would challenge the ruling at the appellate court.

“We are law-abiding citizens committed to the rule of law. We are already preparing our documents to appeal this judgment and test its legality,” he added.

The legal tussle has deepened the crisis within the Rivers APC, raising questions about the party’s unity and prospects ahead of future elections.

Political analysts believe the outcome of the appeal will be crucial in determining the APC’s trajectory in the state.