Julius Abure, the embattled National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), has expressed his concern over the loss of property and funds resulting from the invasion by protesting members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
The statement, issued in Abuja by LP’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, highlighted the escalating conflict between the NLC and the LP leadership.
On Wednesday, the conflict reached a new level when NLC members picketed the LP’s secretariats nationwide. At the LP national headquarters in Abuja, protesters attempted to gain entry but were prevented by security operatives. Abure alleges that despite being barred from the premises, the protesters forcefully broke into the offices, causing extensive damage to properties worth millions of naira. Moreover, he claims that funds intended for staff salaries and other official purposes were also stolen.
Abure expressed his disappointment, describing the incident as a “show of shame” and an abuse of office and the law. He emphasized that the NLC, under Joe Ajaero’s leadership, is not above the law and should not take matters into their own hands. Abure further criticized the NLC for obstructing the progress achieved by the Labour Party in the 2023 general election. He had hoped that as responsible trade unionists, they would collaborate with the Labour Party to improve the country, but instead, they appear to be at odds.
The LP chairman clarified that the NLC does not have ownership rights over the Labour Party, citing the law that prohibits picketing an organization without workers employed by them. Abure stressed that there is no trade union dispute between the LP and NLC, making the protest an abuse of office and a violation of the country’s laws.
Addressing the allegations of a secret convention, Abure dismissed them as baseless propaganda. He revealed that the LP’s National Executive Committee had met in April 2023 in Asaba and granted permission for the convention to be held within a year. Planning for the convention commenced immediately, with INEC and all stakeholders duly informed, including the NLC. Abure expressed surprise at the NLC’s opposition to the convention, suspecting ulterior motives. He vowed not to allow Ajaero to hijack the party.
The LP’s National Chairman condemned the NLC’s actions, highlighting the destruction of property and alleged theft of funds during the protest. He urged the NLC to abide by the law and work collaboratively towards national progress, emphasizing that the Labour Party remains committed to its planned convention.