The Labour Party issued a stern warning to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Tuesday, asserting that it lacks the authority to remove Julius Abure and the National Working Committee (NWC) from office. This response comes after the NLC’s attempt to nullify Abure’s reelection at a recent stakeholders meeting in Abuja.
During the meeting, the NLC Political Commission declared the national convention, which saw Abure and his NWC members reelected, as invalid. In response, the NLC proposed setting up a transition committee to oversee the party’s affairs until new officers are elected within three months. Additionally, the NLC emphasized the need for a forensic audit of the Labour Party’s bank accounts in response to allegations of corruption and fraud.
However, the Labour Party vehemently rejected the NLC’s actions, denouncing the meeting as an illegitimate assembly of disgruntled former members and individuals not affiliated with the party. Obiora Ifoh, the National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, characterized the NLC’s Political Commission as a tool wielded by Comrade Joe Ajaero for his political ambitions, alleging collusion with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to destabilize the opposition.
Ifoh emphasized that the NLC lacks the authority to convene such a meeting and make decisions binding on the Labour Party’s legitimate leadership. He accused Ajaero of orchestrating various unsuccessful attempts to seize control of the party, including illegal picketing and the introduction of a nonexistent Board of Trustees.
Furthermore, the Labour Party criticized the NLC’s focus on political maneuvering instead of advocating for workers’ rights amid challenging economic conditions. They called on Ajaero to prioritize his duties as NLC President and address the plight of Nigerian workers.
The Labour Party reaffirmed its commitment to upholding its legitimate leadership and resisting external interference in its affairs. As tensions between the Labour Party and the NLC escalate, the future of Julius Abure’s leadership hangs in the balance, with both sides digging in their heels in a battle for control.
