Emeka Beke, Amaechi’s associate, elected Rivers APC chairman

Emeka Beke, an associate of Rotimi Amaechi, minister of transportation, has been elected chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers state.

Adoyi Omale, secretary of the state congress committee, announced the results of the congress on Saturday.

Beke polled 1,575 votes to beat his opponent, Chizi Nyeomasila, who scored eight votes.

Sam Etetegwung, a former member of the state house of assembly, was elected unopposed as the secretary while Chris Finebone was also elected unopposed as the publicity secretary.

In his acceptance speech, Beke said he would pilot the affairs of a united party that would take over power from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

“I thank the delegates for reposing confidence in me with the massive votes that I got: I will ensure that work towards the unity and victory for the party in 2023,” he said.

“For my brothers that contested with me, there is no victor, no vanquished; they will all be involved in the party activities.”

He commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for monitoring the election and security agencies for maintaining the peace.

Over the past few years, Rivers APC has been enmeshed in a leadership crisis, owing to the power tussle between the faction of Magnus Abe, a former senator, and Amaechi’s loyalists.

The crisis led to the disqualification of the party from the 2019 governorship election in the state.