By Mercy Aikoye
Three Labour Party members of the House of Representatives have dismissed their purported suspension from the party, describing it as “laughable” and a desperate attempt by a “dethroned emperor” to cling to power.
The lawmakers, Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, Hon. Seyi Sowunmi, and Hon. Amobi Ogah, released a joint statement titled “Our Former National Chairman Goes Mad Again,” in response to the suspension announcement made by Barrister Julius Abure, the former Labour Party chairman.
Abure, who was recently ousted by a Supreme Court judgment, had announced the suspension of the trio, along with other prominent party members, including Governor Alex Chioma Otti of Abia State, Senator Ireti Kingibe, and Senator Darlington Nwokocha. However, the lawmakers believe that Abure’s actions are nothing but a publicity stunt aimed at staying relevant.
The lawmakers expressed dismay that Abure, instead of working to improve the fortunes of the Labour Party, seems focused on orchestrating its disintegration to appease external forces driving his actions. They questioned Abure’s moral integrity, pointing out that he has failed to demonstrate leadership qualities during his tenure as national chairman.
The statement further read that Abure’s actions are a desperate attempt to cling to power and relevance. “It’s utterly absurd that Abure, who failed to demonstrate moral integrity during his tenure as national chairman, now claims the authority to sanction party leaders,” the lawmakers said. They added that Abure’s Supreme Court-nullified leadership status has reduced him to a self-serving shameless impostor driven by personal gain.
The lawmakers also criticized Abure’s leadership, citing the party’s poor performance in recent elections. They pointed out that Abure has led the party to disastrous outcomes in various states, including Kogi, Bayelsa, Ondo, and Edo. According to them, Abure’s leadership has been characterized by fleecing aspirants of hard-earned cash in exchange for party tickets.
The lawmakers believe that Abure’s actions are motivated by a desire to stay in power and maintain his lucrative position as national chairman. They noted that Abure’s recent antics, including announcing the sack and replacement of Hon. Ogene as caucus leader, are desperate attempts to stay relevant.
In their statement, the lawmakers concluded that Abure has appointed himself as a willing undertaker for the destruction of the soul of the Labour Party. However, they believe that Abure is only supervising the burial plan of his image and integrity as a public servant and political leader.
The lawmakers signed off their statement, reiterating their commitment to the Labour Party and its ideals. The development is the latest in the ongoing power struggle within the Labour Party, with Abure’s faction facing opposition from other party members.
