The Lagos State Chapter of the Labour Party has said the Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, lacked the constitutional right to convene stakeholders meeting of the party.
Lagos State Labour Party Chapter said this in response to an interview by one of the state chapter’s stakeholders, Ife Salako.
The Party said Salako’s interview that justified Governor Otti’s stakeholders meeting was contrary to the position of Lagos Labour Party.
In a statement, on Wednesday, on its X handle; the Chapter’s Chairperson, Mrs.Dayo Ekong, said the Labour Party in Lagos State believes in the administration of the party’s National Chairman, Julius Abure.
“The attention of Labour Party Lagos State has just been drawn to the recent TV interview granted by Mr. Ife Salako, concerning the unresolved leadership issues between the National Chairman of our party in the person of Barr. Julius Abure, and the Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr.Alex Otti
“It is important to clarify that the views and opinions expressed by Mr. Salako during that interview were his personal opinions and do not represent the official position of the Labour Party Lagos State. It is important for us to also state that those opinions run counter to the provisions of the constitution of our party,” Mrs Ekong said.
The party emphasized that Governor Otti was part of the Nnewi convention because his Deputy Governor, Ikechukwu Emetu and other officials of Abia State government participated in the meeting.
“We want to state unequivocally that His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Abia State does not have the constitutional powers or rights to convene a NEC or NWC meeting of the Labour Party as he is presently trying to do.
“It is also absurd for His Excellency to question the legality/validity of a National convention of Labour party held on 27th March 2024 at Nnewi Anambra State, which he presided over through his Deputy.
“This said Nnewi convention was also attended by almost all the State functionaries of Abia State Government who are members of the Labour Party.
“This is also more baffling as the said convention had been validated by a court of competent jurisdiction. Powers to convene such high-level meetings of the Labour Party are only vested with the National Chairman of the party,” She stated
Labour Party further accused the Abia State Governor of using his position as leader of the party to usurp the powers of the National Chairman, Julius Abure.
“Such usurpation of the powers of the National Chairman and aberrations only portends great danger and it will also set a dangerous precedent for the party differences within our ranks.
“It is this freedom of expression that strengthens our party and reinforces our commitment to upholding the principles of democracy.
“However, it must be emphasized that the party’s official stance on any matter is only communicated through authorized channels, representatives and signed by either the state chairman or the state secretary.
“We firmly believe in the leadership of our National Chairman Barrister Julius Abure and the National Working Committee and remain committed to working together with them as a united and focused party to achieve our common goals and deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of Nigeria who have been shortchanged by the rudderless and incompetent APC administration,” Mrs Ekong added.