A Port Harcourt-based lawyer, Henry Ekine, has called for the arrest and removal of Tony Okocha as Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, following what he described as a voluntary public confession of electoral offences.
Ekine, who serves as National Legal Adviser of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), made the call in an interview, alleging that Okocha’s purported admission of electoral malpractice, fraud, abuse of office, and corruption raises serious concerns about his fitness for public office.
He argued that such a development undermines democratic values and weakens public confidence in the electoral process, stressing the urgent need for accountability and institutional integrity.
Ekine further called for a thorough investigation, prosecution, and appropriate sanctions against Okocha and any alleged collaborators, noting that no individual should be above the law regardless of political status or influence.
The lawyer also urged that Okocha be relieved of his position as Rivers State representative on the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), as well as removed as APC chairman in the state.
He further called for the withdrawal of the Distinguished Service Star of Rivers State (DSSRS) award conferred on Okocha, stating that such honours should be reserved for individuals of proven integrity and exemplary character.
According to him, allowing a political office holder accused of subverting the electoral process to remain in office sends the wrong signal and could erode public trust in governance.
He added that decisive and transparent action would serve as a deterrent and strengthen accountability in Nigeria’s democratic system.
