- The BoT disclosed that preparation for a fresh national convention will soon begin as consultation with major stakeholders had begun.
The Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Labour Party (LP) has described the party’s national convention held on Wednesday as a charade.
It stated that it had assume leadership and management of the party’s affairs pending the conduct of an “all-inclusive” convention.
The BoT announced the development in a statement on Wednesday by S.O.Z. Ejiofor, its chairman.
It stated that the decision to take over the affairs of the party was to prevent a leadership vacuum in the party, adding that the Abure’s tenure was over.
Recall that the national convention of the party, which took place in Anambra state on Wednesday, saw Julius Abure re-elected as chairman of the party.
However, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has distanced itself from the convention, saying it didn’t monitor it.
The BoT disclosed that preparation for a fresh national convention will soon begin as consultation with major stakeholders had begun.
It statement read: “Following the expiration of the tenure in office of the immediate past National Working Committee of the Labour Party headed by Mr. Julius Abure, the Board of Trustees of the Labour Party, in line with the Labour Party Constitution, has stepped in to steer the affairs of the Labour Party,” the statement reads.
“This step is to avoid any leadership vacuum in the Labour Party.
“Furthermore, the Board of Trustees of the Labour Party, in consultation with major stakeholders in the Party, will soon communicate the processes for the conduct of an all-inclusive and expansive National Convention of the Labour Party.
“This is in line with the March 20, 2018, Federal High Court consent judgement delivered by Justice Gabriel Kolawole, which recognised the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) as the owner of the Labour Party and mandated that an all-inclusive and expansive National Convention of the Labour Party be held.
“The decision of the Board of Trustees is also in furtherance of the agreement signed between the former National Chairman of the Labour Party, Mr. Julius Abure, and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) on 27th June 2022, which was mediated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“While we commend members of the Labour Party, especially workers, students, youths, market women and men, Obidients, and candidates on the platform of the Labour Party for their contributions and fidelity to the ideals of the party, the Board of Trustees promises to quickly set in motion processes for the conduct of an all-inclusive and expansive National Convention.”
‘A CHARADE IN ANAMBRA’
The LP BoT said the convention that took place in Anambra “was a charade”.
It further said it will organise “an all-inclusive national convention” in due course.
“Unlike the charade that took place today in Nnewi and in tandem with the principles of popular democracy, the all-inclusive National Convention will start with grassroots congresses at ward, local government, state and ultimately at the national level,” the statement added.
“This process will not leave any genuine member of the Labour Party out and will be held in the full view of the Independent National Electoral Commission, media, civil society, security agents and the general public.
“We commend the leader of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi and key stakeholders in the Labour Party for declining to deodorise the malfeasance that took place in Nnewi with their presence.
“The BOT assures all stakeholders that we are committed to reclaiming and repositioning the Labour Party as the vehicle for the socio-political emancipation of our dear country, her working people and populace.”