In a bold move demonstrating unwavering resolve, the leadership of the Labour Party has stood firm on its decision to push through with its highly anticipated national convention scheduled for Wednesday.
This decision follows intense pressure and a series of confrontations with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), culminating in the party’s formal plea to government bodies for intervention to safeguard its interests.
In a proactive move, the Labour Party sent out four separate letters to key government officials, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Attorney General of the Federation, urging urgent action to curb further aggression from the NLC. The party also called for disciplinary measures against NLC President Joe Ajaero and other union leaders allegedly involved in the vandalism of party properties.
Tensions reached a boiling point last week when NLC members, acting on directives from their leadership, picketed Labour Party secretariats nationwide, demanding the resignation of certain party figures. The scene escalated as protesters besieged the party’s national headquarters in Abuja, only to be met with tight security preventing their entry.
Despite accusations of property damage and salary theft levied by the Labour Party against the union members, efforts to broker peace, notably by Presidential Candidate Peter Obi, seemed futile. Obi’s suggestion to postpone the convention until a resolution was reached was met with resistance from the party, which insisted on maintaining course.
In an exclusive interview, the National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, Obiora Ifoh, reaffirmed the party’s stance, emphasizing that there would be no deviation from the convention plans. Delegates and party officials are set to converge in Umuahia, Abia State, signaling a unified front amidst adversity.
Reacting to the Labour Party’s defiance, NLC spokesman Benson Upah expressed disdain, asserting that any convention led by the embattled party chairman would lack legitimacy and recognition. He adamantly declared such proceedings as futile and urged stakeholders to acknowledge the nullity of such actions.
As the stage is set for the Labour Party’s convention, the nation watches with bated breath as political tensions unfold, underscoring the resilience and determination of both sides in the face of adversity.