.. As NLC Pickets Labour Party National Headquarters, Demands Abure’s Sack
Spokesman for the Presidential Campaign Organisation of the Labour Party during the 2023 general election Yunusa Tanko, has called for caution over the picketing of the party headquarters in Abuja by the Nigeria Labour Congress, adding that there is an ongoing effort at a stakeholders’ meeting in Asaba, Delta State capital, to resolve the rift between the NLC and the party leadership.
“We are working round the clock to resolve our differences with the NLC. You know they are part of us. There is an ongoing meeting of LP stakeholders, lawmakers, and others in Asaba to discuss it and other issues”, he said on Wednesday.
His response came on Tuesday the heels of the Nigeria Labour Congress picketing of the National headquarters of the Labour Party (LP), in Abuja.
Led by members of its Political Commission, the NLC team arrived at the LP Secretariat about 10:30 am, displaying placards.
Though resisted by a team of armed policemen who prevented their entrance into the secretariat, the protesting workers, however, pulled the gates open.
The NLC stormed the secretariat to protest the party’s national convention planned for the end of this March. The Congress also demanded the sack of the Labour Party National Chairman, Julius Abure
The NLC had in a statement on Friday, March 15, accused Abure of running the Labour Party as a Sole Administrator by secretly scheduling a supposed National Convention of the Party for March 2024, without consulting stakeholders.
Passing a “vote of no confidence” on Abure as National Chairman of the Labour Party, the NLC Political Commission in a statement jointly signed by its Chairperson, Comrade Titus Amba and Secretary, Comrade Chris Uyot Secretary, called for the constitution of a caretaker transition committee to organise a legitimate and all-inclusive National Convention of the Labour Party.
Meanwhile, the National Working Committee of the Labour Party has condemned the action of the NLC, describing it as an abuse of power.
The LP’s National Youth Leader, Kennedy Ahanotu, expressed disappointment with how the NLC handled the situation.
While saying it is wrong for a movement that symbolises the masses’ struggle to picket a political party, the NWC member accused the NLC leadership of being partisan through their action.
“There is a lot of power play going on, and it is unhealthy for our generation. That level of power play cannot help a system that wants to be rejiggered. Even if the NLC is the founder of the Labour Party, the party is an institution on its own and should be allowed to breathe.
“Again, the NLC should not show any sign of partisanship in terms of practical politics because they are supposed to be facing the government of the day. They are not even supposed to participate in political activities. It should be done underground and not be playing to the gallery in the manner they are doing.
“If they are accusing Abure, the chairman and secretary of the NLC Political Commission have been there for more than 15 years. Is that democratic? I am not comfortable with what is playing out here”, he said.
