CurrentReport Blog The All Progressives Congress (APC) has tentatively scheduled its caucus and National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings for September 11 and 12, 2024. The Deputy National Secretary of the party, Festus Fuanter, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja after a National Working Committee (NWC) meeting.
Fuanter emphasized that the proposed dates for these crucial gatherings are contingent upon approval from President Bola Tinubu. He explained that the party’s leadership carefully considered the timing to ensure it aligns with the President’s availability.
“We agreed for [September] 11 and 12 for caucus and NEC meetings, subject to approval by Mr. President,” Fuanter stated.
APC Dismisses Rivers State High Court Ruling on Caretaker Committee
In a related development, the APC’s NWC addressed the recent judgement by the Rivers State High Court, which purportedly nullified the Tony Okocha-led Caretaker Committee in Rivers State. The NWC firmly stated that the ruling is not binding on the party, as the APC was not a party to the lawsuit.
Fuanter clarified the party’s position, saying, “We want to categorically state and inform the public that the position of the party, All Progressives Congress, regarding the judgement delivered by the Rivers High Court, in Suit No. PHC/3592/CS/2023, is that it is not binding on the APC. The claimant in the case sued the national chairman and secretary of our great party, not the party itself. A court judgement or order is not binding on a person or organisation that is not a party to the suit.”
He further explained that despite the court’s decision to reinstate the dissolved State Executive Committee, the Okocha-led Caretaker Committee remains the only recognized leadership of the APC in Rivers State.
Legal Proceedings Ongoing
Fuanter also highlighted ongoing legal proceedings, mentioning that a previous court ruling had removed Chief Emeka Beke and Iheanyichukwu Azubuike from their positions as Rivers State APC chairman and legal adviser, respectively. The case, referenced as Suit No. PHC/925/CS/2023, was brought by Omiete Efrebo and others.
The APC maintains that this ruling still stands, despite the pending appeal filed by Chief Emeka Beke. As a result, the party continues to recognize the caretaker committee currently overseeing the party’s affairs in Rivers State.
