APC Chieftain Slams Deputy National Secretary over Rivers Chapter Chairman’s Reinstatement

A factional chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has lashed out at the Deputy National Secretary of the party, Festus Fuanter, over his stance on the reinstatement of Emeka Beke as Chairman of the Rivers State Chapter of the APC.

Chukwuemeka Eze, a former National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New Peoples Democratic Party, slammed Fuanter’s comments, describing them as ridiculous. Eze stated that Fuanter’s confidence suggests that the Abdullahi Ganduje-led National Working Committee of the APC is opposed to democracy, the rule of law, and the independence of the judiciary.

Fuanter had previously stated that the ruling by the Rivers State High Court, presided over by Justice Sika Aprioku, is not binding on the party, and that the APC still recognises the erstwhile caretaker committee set up to oversee the party’s affairs in the state. However, Eze described Fuanter’s comments as ridiculous, stating that they show ignorance and contempt for the rule of law.

Eze expressed concern that this situation occurs in the presence of the APC Deputy National Chairman, South-South, Victor Giadom, who is a major beneficiary of the sacrifices made by party faithful in Rivers State. He called on the Ganduje-led NWC not to lead the APC into a situation where the party would be seen as ‘dissident to lawful orders and court decisions,’ warning that such a narrative from a ruling party spells doom for the judiciary and the country.

Eze added that the party is aware that with the court’s position as reflected in the judgment, Emeka Beke remains the Chairman of Rivers APC, and any dealings with Tony Okocha in the name of the party in Rivers State are unlawful and an invitation to anarchy.

This development is a significant concern for the APC and its leadership, as it highlights the deep-seated issues within the party.