The Gombe State chapter of Labour Party has carpeted a group for attempting to open state secretariat without due consultation with the recognised cabinet.
According to a press statement signed by the Secretary; Abubakar Usman, and Chairman; Benjamin Abner, on Sunday “Our attention has been drawn to a plan by some mischievous elements to open an office of Labour Party in Gombe on Monday 30th September, 2024, without the knowledge of the only recognised State Executives of the party in the state.”
The statement partly read, “To the best of our knowledge, we are the legally recognised EXCO whose appointment was notified to the Police, INEC and DSS. The present State EXCO is headed by Hon Benjamin Abner Mamman.
“We would not have bothered to join issues with these fake people but for
the imperative of setting the records straight and not allowing our teeming
members and the general public to be misled.
We therefore call on the Security agencies and the
public to take note of the following facts.”
While decrying the opening of the office Abner noted that those behind such plan are not known to them, adding that they do they represent the leadership of the party.
‘Whoever they may be representing do not have the backing of the LP constitution to engage in such nefarious activities. Labour Party is an establishment of the Law and its
operations must be guided by the provisions of its constitution and
other relevant Laws of the land at all times. A legal maxim says you cannot
put something on nothing and expect it to stand.
“INEC does not have the power to impose leadership on any
political party, as it is not mandated to interfere in the Internal affairs of parties. In the same vein, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria or any other instrument does not permit an organisation to own another.
“A national convention was duly and legally held on 27th March, 2024 at Nnewi Anambra State; and the National Working Committee was elected for a tenure of 4 years, under the leadership of Barrister Julius Abure. The Federal High court has pronounced judgement and affirmed that the Nnewi Convention followed known rules and regulations in every aspect, and so far, there is no contrary judgment given by a higher court. Thus the outcome of that convention has been validated.
“There’s no vacuum in the leadership of Labour party from the National to the Ward level. Congresses are being planned in different states. We must note here that the Party’s leadership at the states came on board at different times, so congresses are not simultaneous. Gombe will be having its Congress soon and details will be communicated to our members,” the statement added.
