Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, former National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP), has sharply criticized remarks made by APC Deputy National Secretary Festus Fuanters regarding the reinstatement of Emeka Beke as Rivers State party chairman.
The APC has been embroiled in a legal battle over the leadership of its Rivers State chapter. Emeka Beke, who was leading the State Working Committee, was removed by Abdullahi Ganduje due to their perceived loyalty to former Transportation Minister Chibuike Amaechi. Ganduje’s faction installed Tony Okocha, who supports Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, as Caretaker Committee Chairman.
The Beke-led NWC challenged their removal in court, arguing that their four-year term, which was still active, had been unlawfully terminated. The court ruled that the APC acted beyond its constitutional authority by dissolving a democratically elected committee without evidence of any wrongdoing or anti-party activities.
In response to the court’s decision, APC Deputy National Secretary Festus Fuanters expressed dissatisfaction, stating that the ruling “is not binding on the Party (APC)” and that the party would continue to recognize and work with the caretaker committee.
Eze, in a statement on Saturday, condemned Fuanters’ comments as dismissive of the court’s authority and indicative of the Ganduje-led National Working Committee’s disregard for democratic principles and the rule of law. Eze argued that this stance threatens the APC’s integrity and undermines the judiciary.
He remarked, “The Deputy National Secretary’s dismissal of the court’s judgment suggests a troubling lack of respect for legal authority and displays an arrogance that calls into question his qualifications as a lawyer.”
Eze warned Ganduje and his associates against further defying court orders, stating that such actions could portray the APC as hostile to lawful decisions, potentially leading to significant repercussions for both the party and the country.
He further noted that “the five NWC members who participated in the meeting have aligned themselves with Wike for personal gain, including Victor Giadom.” Eze emphasized that with the court’s ruling affirming Emeka Beke as chairman, any dealings with Tony Okocha are considered unlawful and could lead to chaos.
Eze urged the APC leadership to honor the court’s decision to prevent a crisis that could severely impact the party. He called for Beke and his team to be allowed to complete their term as mandated by the court, to preserve the party’s stability and uphold democratic values.
