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The Gombe State chapter of the Labour Party has lashed out at a group for attempting to open a 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, the party labelled the group as “mischievous,” adding that it was necessary to address the situation to prevent misleading its members and the public.
The statement read partly, “Our attention has been drawn to a plan by some mischievous elements to open an office of the Labour Party in Gombe on Monday, September 30, 2024, without the knowledge of the only recognised State Executives of the party in the state.
“To the best of our knowledge, we are the legally recognised exco whose appointment was notified to the police, INEC and the 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 security agencies and the public to take note of the following facts.
“Whoever they may be representing does not have the backing of the LP constitution to engage in such nefarious activities. The 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.”
The statement noted that the group doesn’t have the backing of the party, as it added that Nigeria’s constitution “does not permit an organisation to own another.”
“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 March 27, 2024, at Nnewi, Anambra State; and the National Working Committee was elected for a tenure of four years, under the leadership of Barrister Julius Abure. The Federal High Court has pronounced judgment and affirmed that the Nnewi convention followed known rules and regulations in every aspect, and so far, there has been 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 the Labour Party from the national to the ward levels. 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 read further.
