Taiwo Popoola
The Labour Party (LP, National Executive Council (NEC) on Monday threatened to sanction Peter Obi, the party’s former presidential candidate, with a “stiffer penalty”
The NEC, led by National Chairman Julius Abure, warned that Obi would be sanctioned if he participated in any action that undermined the party’s peace, unity, and integrity.
It was part of the resolution adopted during LP’s NEC meeting held on Monday at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja.
The statement signed by Abure reads partly: “NEC in session in exercise of its duties, hereby caution the former presidential candidate of our great party not to participate in any action capable of undermining the peace unity, and integrity of the party as the NEC will not hesitate to issue stiffer penalty if found culpable.
“NEC in session reviewed the activities of the House of Representatives Caucus leader, Honourable Victor Adam Ogene and wishes to note as follow: That the voice of the current leadership of the party is not being heard in the hallowed lower chambers; that there is a lack of cohesion amongst our members in the House; that the leadership appears to be compromised; and that the ideology and programs of the party are not well represented.
“NEC in session, as result of the aforementioned decided to relieve Honourable Ogene of that leadership role for dereliction of duty.
“Consequently, Hon. Barrister Ben Etanabene has been appointed by the NEC in session as the Labour Party’s Caucus Leader in the House of Representatives. NEC mandated the NWC to communicate the decision to relevant authorities.
“He is to hand over all the party’s properties in his possession, particularly all the financial contributions made so far by other Labour Party lawmakers which are in his possession to the party, and render proper account to the party with immediate effect.
“The party will go to any length to retrieve all its belongings, including monies that belong to it, which Hon. Ogene is holding tight to.
“NEC in session assured all Nigerians of a good leadership under the current leadership of the Labour Party. The Labour Party is willing to provide Nigerians good governance, security, economic growth and development, infrastructure development, a robust electoral system, free and independent judiciary if given the opportunity and mandate by Nigerians to provide leaders for the country.
“We therefore assure all Nigerians of a political party that is different and that has internal party democracy.”
