BY ADEYEMI AKANJI – The Forum of State Chairmen of the Labour Party (LP) on Saturday, February 17, 2024 asked the National Chairman of the party, Mr Julius Abure to step aside and allow for proper and fair investigation to be conducted over the financial issues bedevilling the party for which his name featured prominently.
The State Party chairmen said that by addressing the financial concerns affecting the LP head-on, the Party would be better strengthen just as it can uphold justice and continue the journey towards a brighter future.
The Forum led by led by Comrade Solomon Ndem, who is also the Chairman of Plateau State chapter of LP, told journalists at a press briefing in Abuja that they found themselves at a critical juncture where they have to address certain internal matters for the sake of party’s integrity and in the spirit of openness and accountability.
While commending the quick response of the 2023 Presidential candidate of the LP, Mr. Peter Obi to the call for the external auditing of the Party’s accounts, the State chairmen, called on him, Senator Ahmed Datti and other personalities within the party to join in requesting Abure to step aside.
The forum said that their demand was part of the gesture underscoring the unwavering commitment of Mr. Peter Obi to transparency and the principles of the New Nigeria project, adding that the step is essential to facilitate the establishment of an independent investigative panel that will thoroughly examine various allegations, including the misappropriation of funds level against the National Chairman by the National Treasurer of the Party and indeed the complaints of forgery and impersonation by a lot of aggrieved members of the Party.
According to Ndem; “It is crucial that no one acts as a judge in his own case, and we believe this measure will ensure a fair and impartial inquiry.
“Furthermore, we want to draw attention to a critical matter that could impact the upcoming off-season election in Edo State. We want to remind the party and the people of Edo State about the potential repercussions if we emerge victorious and these legal complexities surrounding the leadership of the party is not been addressed.
“A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, presided over by Justice Hamza Muazu, on April 5th, 2023, restrained Barrister Abure from parading himself as the National Chairman of the LP.
“It is imperative for the party and the people of Edo State to consider this matter seriously as the actions of one individual should not jeopardize the efforts of our candidate and the aspirations of our voters in Edo State,” the Forum said.
