* Reserves 2027 Presidential, Governorship Tickets For Obi, Otti
*Urges Tinubu To Take Drastic Step To Save Economy From Total Collapse
*Calls For Restructuring of Security Architecture, Decentralisation of Police
*Laments Growing Insecurity In Parts Of Nigeria, Calls For End In Gaza Crisis
Delegates to the National Convention of Labour Party in Nnewi, Anambra State, on Wednesday re-elected the embattled National Chairman, Julius Abure, and some party officials for another four year tenure.
Ahead of the convention, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) had picketed state offices of Labour Party and the National Secretariat to protest what it alleged was the high handedness, and lack of transparency by the Abure led National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party.
The NLC members accused the Labour Party National Chairman of running the party like a mafia organisation.
As a result, the Congress passed a vote of no confidence in Abure’s leadership called for his resignation.
NLC President, Joe Ajaero, said the party was formed to allow ordinary Nigerians to contest and win elections, adding that even Peter Obi, who was the party’s standard bearer, does not belong to any labour union.
His words, “Within that time when Adams Oshiomole was contesting for governorship, the Labour Party aligned with those that formed the APC, AD, the ACN then to sponsor Adams for him to have a joint ticket and it wasn’t a crime if the Labour Party decides to form an alliance with the other political parties.
“Thereafter, we changed and decided to have our political party and today we’re not in alliance with any political party. And we don’t have an apology for forming a political party that would be beneficial to all the ordinary Nigerians …all the members of the Labour Party are not workers.”
“They’re not members of trade unions. People in the National Assembly and even the Presidency are not members of trade unions. The Presidential candidate of the Labour Party is not in any way related to any Labour union.
“Any Nigerian that wants to belong to the Labour Party is free. The reason we formed the Labour Party is that Nigerian workers under the minimum wage cannot buy form and contest elections under any of the political parties be it APC or PDP.
“That’s why we say we must have our own political party where a messenger, clerk can contest elections and win. Even Okada riders are in the National Assembly today through the Labour Party. If anybody is having any doubt about it, the aim of forming the LP has been achieved.”
But in a communique at the end of its National Convention, the party also assured “its numerous members across the country of an optimistic and bright future. They equally appreciate all forums, groups and others for the steadfast support in the 2023 General election and onwards.
Now that elections are over, the Convention in session encourages all groups to collapse their structure at the ward, local, and National levels into the already existing structure of the party.”
In the document which was signed by Abure, and the National Secretary, Umar Farouk, further reserved the 2027 presidential ticket of the party for Peter Obi, who was its flag bearer in the 2023 presidential poll.
It said this is so because of his antecedents “before, during and after the 2023 General Election.”
This is as the gathering passed a vote of confidence on Abia State Governor, Alex Ottti, for ongoing development in the state.
It equally recommended the 2027 Abia state gubernatorial ticket of the party be reserved for the Governor.
Parts of the communique stated, “The National Convention reviewed the state of the Nation and concluded that it is not grabbing power that matters but what you do with it.
“After the 2023 general election, the security situation of the nation has not improved as there is a geometrical increase in numbers of lives lost and the economy has worsened as the standard and conditions of living of the Nigerian populace has continue to deteriorate.
“Inflation is sky rocketing, unemployment rate is high, this has led to massive hunger and poverty in the land. This is a result of the continuous devaluation of the currency and increase in petroleum product prices.
“The Convention is session therefore call on the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to quickly take drastic and proactive steps to save the economy from total collapse to revive the economy and put it on the path of growth and development.
“The Convention in session also advises the President to bring up proactive measures that will encourage indigenous producers so that our Gross Domestic Production can increase and dependency on foreign products should be discouraged.
“The Convention recommends that sound economic team that will take a holistic review of various economic strategies to see how it can be revamped and have citizens enjoy the Natural potentials the nation is endowed with and put the country in her rightful place among the community of nations due to its abundant natural and human resources.
“The Convention in session also noted with concerns the renewed insecurity in the country especially Kaduna, Plateau, Benue, and other states. The Convention hereby calls on the President as the commander in chief of the armed forces to secure the lives and properties of Nigerians, which is the primary responsibility of the government.
The Convention also calls for general restructuring of the security architecture to meet up with current security challenges facing the nation. The Convention advocated for decentralization of the Nigerian Police Force to pave way for regional, state, local and community policing.”
On global security, it called “for an immediate ceasefire and also advises the world powers to proffer an immediate solution to halt the continuous killings of women and children and the destruction of properties.
The world powers should exercise restraints in the war between Hamas and Israel, and come to a truce to end the killings and destructions. The Convention calls on the United States of America and all those behind the scenes fueling the conflict to come to a truce for a peaceful Middle East.”
This is as it approved the audited financial report of the party for 2022 to 2023 financial years, and the 2024 annual budget presented.
While empowering the National Working Committee (NWC) to fill in vacant positions in the NEC, other officials elected by the gathering includes, Deputy National Chairman, Clement Ojukwu, Deputy National Chairman, Ayo Olunrufemi, Deputy National Chairman (NLC) -VACANT, Deputy National Chairman (TUC) – VACANT, and Deputy National Chairman -VACANT.
Others are National Vice Chairman (North Central)- Abraham Idoko, National Vice Chairman (South East) -Ceekay Igara, National Vice Chairman (South South)- Anthony C. Ezeagwu, and National Secretary – Alhaji Umar farouk Ibrahim
It further elected the Deputy National Secretary – Rotimi Kehinde Adekunle, Deputy National Secretary – Innocent Okeke, National Treasurer – Mrs Ngozi Doga, National Financial Secretary – Dayo Ekong, National Publicity Secretary – Mr. Ifoh Obiora, National Organizing Secretary-Comrade Yahuza Ahmed, National Legal Adviser-Barr. Kehinde Edun, National Women leader-Mrs. Dudu Manuga, National Youth Leader-Prince Kennedy Ihanotu, Assistant National Youth Leader NW – Abdulrahman Chindo, Assistant National Youth Leader (South South) -Barry Auotu
Thoze in attendance at the Convention were members of the National Working Committee, National Executive Committee, H.E. Peter Obi, National Leader, Deputy Governor Abia State, Labour Party Senators, House of Representatives Members, State House of Assembly Members, Labour Party Commissioners, Labour Party SA’s, PA’s, and Board Members Abia state, Party Delegates, Trade Union Congress, and Gentlemen of the Press.
