The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) strongly criticized the reinstatement of Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), denouncing it as a farce following recent court rulings questioning the legitimacy of Abure’s leadership.
Amidst legal disputes over the validity of Abure’s National Working Committee (NWC), he was reelected during a convention convened at the Grand Seasons Hotel in Nnewi, Anambra State.
Expressing the NLC’s discontent, Benson Upah, Head of Information at the NLC, stated to THE WHISTLER, “Nothing can justify such blatant disregard for legality!”
The NLC has persistently called for Abure’s removal, alleging his orchestration of an unauthorized national convention in Abia State to prolong his tenure.
Reiterating the NLC’s stance, Upah emphasized, “It’s unlawful, it’s void. The entire process was a mockery of justice!” He affirmed that the Congress would not condone any election that contradicts democratic principles.
Previously, the NLC had demanded Abure’s resignation and the immediate establishment of a caretaker transition committee to facilitate a lawful and inclusive national convention for the party.
Offering insight into the crisis, former President of the NLC, Ayuba Wabba, underscored that the Labour Party was established by the NLC with a clear objective outlined in the NLC constitution.
“According to Article 3 and Item 1, the primary objective of the NLC is to champion the economic, political, and social rights and well-being of Nigerian workers and pensioners,” Wabba affirmed.
He elaborated, “We are the creators of the Labour Party; it originated under the leadership of Pascal Bafyau, initially known as the Party for Social Democracy. Later, under Adams Oshiomhole’s leadership, the decision was made to rename it the Labour Party, with S.O.Z Ejiofor serving as the first chairman, succeeded by Dan Anyanwu.”
Wabba emphasized, “The essence of establishing the party was to provide a platform for workers, pensioners, and farmers to exercise their rights, as enshrined in Section 40 of the Constitution.”
“The party was conceived by the NLC and accredited by the NLC. It’s akin to constructing a house, obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy, and then leasing the property; thus, we maintain a vested interest in its management,” Wabba concluded.
