Rivers APC Accuses Sacked Caretaker Chairman of Disregarding the Rule of Law
In a statement issued on Friday by the state Publicity Secretary, Darlington Nwauju, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has accused Tony Okocha, the sacked Caretaker Committee Chairman, of flouting the rule of law.
Nwauju described Okocha as a dishonest individual masquerading as a democrat, claiming that he is engaged in the same actions he previously accused others of.
The party spokesperson noted that despite a court ruling, Okocha continues to present himself as the chairman of the party’s caretaker committee.
“Tony Okocha is openly disregarding the rule of law, and he knows it. He is doing the very same thing he has been criticizing others for, and it’s appalling,” Nwauju stated.
He further emphasized that the situation is not only disappointing but also hypocritical, as Okocha and his sponsors are engaging in the same behavior they previously condemned.
Nwauju’s comments come on the heels of a ruling by the Rivers State High Court, which reinstated the executives led by Emeka Beke as the legitimate leadership of the party in the state. The court also issued a perpetual injunction against the Okocha-led caretaker committee, prohibiting them from interfering with the Beke-led executive until the end of their four-year term.
However, reports indicate that the Okocha-led APC has begun preparations for state, local government, and ward congresses in the state, scheduled to start on Saturday, November 16, 2024.
Nwauju also highlighted that Okocha has filed an appeal against the court ruling that dissolved the caretaker committee in the state. He suggested that Okocha’s actions demonstrate either a lack of confidence in the judiciary or an overconfidence in the outcome of the appeal.
“We are aware that they have filed an appeal, yet they lack confidence in the judiciary or are overconfident in the outcome. Either way, it’s unacceptable in a democratic setting,” Nwauju added.
He emphasized that democracy is built on the rule of law and that setting new rules in the middle of the game is not acceptable.
