Rivers APC Showdown: High Court to Deliver Verdict on Leadership Crisis August 12

Political tension within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State is set to reach a critical juncture as the Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt will deliver its judgment on Monday, August 12, 2024. The case was brought forward by elected state, local government, and ward executives of the APC under the leadership of Emeka Beke. These executives have filed a suit against the party’s national executive and the seven-man Caretaker Committee of the APC in Rivers State, which is currently led by Tony Okocha.

Justice Sika Aprioku, the presiding judge, reserved the judgment after hearing the final arguments and written addresses from the counsels representing both parties at the last hearing. In a recent court circular, Justice Aprioku confirmed that the judgment will be delivered virtually at noon on August 12, 2024, and emphasized the importance of punctuality among the counsels. Additionally, he indicated that security measures around the court would be significantly heightened.

The legal team representing the sacked state executive of APC, led by Sam Etetegwung, alongside Banarth Ezemoye and Ezekiel Ubom for the local government and ward executives, is seeking a judicial interpretation of the APC constitution and Nigerian law regarding their suspension. They are also challenging the subsequent inauguration of the seven-man Caretaker Committee led by Okocha.

This ruling is expected to have a significant impact on the future of the APC in Rivers State, as it could potentially determine the legitimacy of the current leadership and the party’s direction in the state. The outcome of this case will be closely watched by political stakeholders and observers across the country.