According to report from Vanguard news. The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State is grappling with internal conflict following a recent Appeal Court judgment. The court ruling upheld Martins Amaewhule as the legitimate Speaker of the State House of Assembly, alongside 26 other lawmakers.
Chief Tony Okocha, APC caretaker committee chairman in Rivers State, welcomed the ruling, stating, "Justice has been served." However, Darlington Nwauju, spokesman for a rival faction, downplayed the significance of the ruling, emphasizing that it did not address the defection of 27 Assembly members from the People's Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.
The judgment has sparked debate beyond the APC, with implications for Rivers State's political landscape. Hon Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere noted that the ruling failed to address the validity of the lawmakers' defection and the vacancy of their seats. Dr. Chidi Lloyd criticized judicial officers for controversial judgments, advocating for judicial accountability.
The Appeal Court's decision has intensified tensions within the APC in Rivers State, raising questions about judicial independence and the rule of law in the state's political terrain.