The Rivers State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), loyal to former Minister of Transport Rotimi Amaechi, has expressed its support for the upcoming local government elections in the state, scheduled for October 5, 2024. The party confirmed its participation in the elections and has submitted the names of its candidates for various positions.
This announcement was made in a letter addressed to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, titled “Re: Position of the Rivers State All Progressives Congress on the forthcoming Local Government Election in Rivers State Vis-à-vis the Judgment in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/987/2024.”
In a statement signed by APC Rivers State Chairman Emeka Beke and State Secretary Sam Etetegwung in Port Harcourt, the party recounted recent legal challenges it faced after an attempt by some members of the National Working Committee to displace the duly elected State Executive Committee by forming a caretaker committee led by Chief Tony Okocha. In response, the elected State Executive Committee filed a lawsuit, and the Rivers State High Court ruled in their favor, affirming the legitimacy of the Beke-led Executive Committee until 2025 and nullifying Okocha’s caretaker committee.
The statement also acknowledged the judgment by the Federal High Court in Suit No. PHC/ABJ/CS/987/2024 and noted that, on September 4, 2024, the Rivers State High Court had ordered the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to proceed with the local government elections, underscoring that this judgment takes precedence over any subsequent rulings.
The party emphasized that Chief Tony Okocha is not recognized as the chairman or leader of the Rivers APC and lacks the authority to represent the party in any legal matters.
Furthermore, the statement highlighted that all decisions regarding participation in the local government elections fall under the authority of the State Executive Committee led by Beke. It reiterated that the Supreme Court of Nigeria has mandated the Rivers State Government to conduct local government elections within three months of its ruling, thereby asserting that the Federal High Court cannot lawfully impede the scheduled elections.
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The APC Rivers State chapter formally declared its support for the local government elections on October 5, 2024, and reassured the public that it has submitted candidates for the elections. The party urged citizens and institutions to disregard the claims of Tony Okocha and his associates and to participate fully in the upcoming elections.