Rita Odafe
The Lagos State chapter of the Labour Party has voiced that Governor Alex Otti of Abia State does not possess the legal authority to organize stakeholder gatherings of the party. This statement comes in response to comments made by one of the stakeholders in the state chapter, Ife Salako.
The party in Lagos contradicted Salako’s remarks that supported Governor Otti’s stakeholder assembly, asserting it goes against the stance of the Lagos Labour Party.
In an issued statement on Wednesday, Mrs. Dayo Ekong, the Chairperson of the chapter, emphasized that the Labour Party in Lagos upholds the leadership of the party’s National Chairman, Julius Abure.
According to Mrs. Ekong, “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.”
The party highlighted that Governor Otti participated in the Nnewi convention alongside his Deputy Governor, Ikechukwu Emetu, and other Abia State government officials.
“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,” Mrs. Ekong expressed.
Likewise, the Labour Party accused the Abia State Governor of overstepping by trying to assume the authority 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,” she added.
The party reiterated its support for the leadership of National Chairman Barrister Julius Abure and pledged to collaborate closely to achieve the party’s objectives and provide democracy’s dividends to the Nigerian people.
