Court Order Against Rivers APC Chairman, Emeka Beke Vacated

The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has clarified the status of a legal dispute involving the party’s state chairman, Emeka Beke, and two other officials.

The case, initiated by Omiete Efrebo and nine others, had sought to restrain Beke and his team from acting as party executives.

However, the interim injunction that was granted has since been vacated by the same judge who issued it, clearing Beke and his colleagues of the suspension and allowing them to continue their roles within the party.

The legal tussle began on April 12, 2023, when Efrebo and his group obtained an interim injunction from the Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt.

This injunction temporarily restrained Emeka Beke and two others from performing their duties as the chairman and legal adviser of the APC in Rivers State, effectively suspending them from their positions.

The action was seen as a significant move within the party, creating divisions and prompting questions about leadership and governance within the APC in the state.

Festus Fuanter, the Deputy National Secretary of the APC, addressed the media in Abuja to discuss the broader implications of the legal battle.

He highlighted that the formation of a seven-member caretaker committee led by Tony Okocha was influenced by the court orders initially obtained against Beke’s executive team.

This move was intended as a temporary measure to maintain party operations while the legal issues were being resolved.

However, in a significant development, Rivers State APC Legal Adviser, Iheanyichukwu Dike, revealed that the interim injunction granted on April 12, 2023, by Justice D.G. Kio, was vacated on January 30, 2024.

Dike explained that the court not only lifted the interim injunction but also struck out the substantive suit entirely, awarding a cost of N200,000 against Efrebo and his group in favour of Beke and the two other officials.

This decision was a clear victory for Beke’s team and a crucial step in restoring stability within the party’s leadership.

Following the initial court order, Beke and his colleagues had filed an interlocutory appeal at the Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt, challenging the injunction.

However, upon discovering that the interim order had already been vacated in January 2024, they promptly withdrew their appeal.

The notice of withdrawal of the appeal was filed on August 26, 2024, officially closing the chapter on this legal dispute.

In his statement on Wednesday, Dike emphasised that the legal matter involving Efrebo and others against Beke and the two other party officials is now fully resolved and no longer pending in any court.

He urged the public and party members to disregard any misleading rumours or claims from those he described as “enemies of the APC in Rivers State,” who may seek to exploit the situation for political gain.

The clarification from the APC’s Rivers State chapter comes at a critical time for the party, as it seeks to consolidate its leadership and prepare for upcoming elections.

The legal challenges faced by the party’s leadership had threatened to undermine its cohesion and effectiveness.

However, the vacating of the court order and the subsequent dismissal of the substantive suit provide a renewed sense of legitimacy and continuity for Beke’s leadership team.

This episode also underscores the complexities of intra-party dynamics and the legal challenges that can arise in political organisations.

It highlights the importance of strong legal strategies and the need for clarity in navigating the judicial system, especially when party leadership and governance are at stake.

The swift resolution of the appeal process further illustrates the party’s commitment to moving forward and focusing on its broader objectives rather than being mired in prolonged legal disputes.

As the APC in Rivers State moves past this legal hurdle, the emphasis now shifts to reinforcing party unity and ensuring that its leadership is fully aligned with the goals and aspirations of its members.

The party’s ability to manage internal conflicts and present a united front will be crucial as it engages with voters and competes in the political arena.

The resolution of this legal dispute, and the clear exoneration of Emeka Beke and his colleagues, is a positive step for the APC in Rivers State. It allows the party to refocus on its mission and strengthens its leadership at a time when political stability and effective governance are needed more than ever.

As the APC gears up for future challenges, the lessons learned from this episode will likely inform its approach to internal governance and conflict resolution, contributing to a more resilient and cohesive party structure.