A court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has sacked the chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Tony Okocha, after declaring the congresses that produced him null and void.
The court ruling was delivered by Justice Godswill Ogbomanu.
This followed a prior court order that restrained the party from conducting the ward, local government, and state congresses.
The judge found that the APC acted in defiance of the court’s directive, which undermined judicial authority.
As a result, the court imposed a fine of ₦10 million on the party for its actions which was said to contravene earlier court injunction.
According to the claimant Emenike Ebette, the congresses were conducted in disregard of due legal processes, prompting them to seek court redress.
The claimants’ counsel praised the decision, saying that it restored fairness to the process.
He argued that the court acted swiftly within its powers to address the breach of its order and maintain its integrity.
“Justice had been served because they actually stole a march against the claimants. When a matter is before the court, the subject matter is there and the courts say don’t do it and you go ahead in a brazen manner, as the court so found it.
“The court has the power under its disciplinary jurisdiction to set aside such acts.
You know, the court granted a stay of proceedings, but it had to restore its dignity and integrity.
What the court has done this evening is in line with the law,” Ebette said.
The court’s judgment invalidated all decisions taken during the party congresses, effectively removing Okocha as state chairman.
In response, the defence counsel stated that they respected the court’s decision.
But they intend to consult with the APC’s National Working Committee to determine their next course of action.
Kingsley Ikechukwu, Ogun State