Controversy over the suspension of the Labour Party’s national chairman

The recent suspension of Labour Party (LP) national chairman Julius Abure has sparked a storm of indignation within the party.

The suspension, which was officially approved during a late-night meeting of the national executive committee at the party secretariat in Benin City, sparked sharp criticism and heated debates.

Sunday Tribune learnt that Abure’s suspension was due to his alleged arrogance and involvement in anti-party activities, which prompted the party leadership in Ward 3, Arue-Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area of ​​Edo State to take action against him.

A letter from the leadership of District 3 dated May 14, 2024, signed by Chairman Thompson Ehiguese and Secretary Stanley Usiomoh, initiated Abure’s suspension.

This measure was quickly followed by a letter of ratification dated May 15, 2024, which was approved during the meeting of the State Executive Board.

In a strongly worded statement, the management of the Edo LP called on Abure to stop holding himself out or impersonating a member of the LP in Ward 3, Arue-Uromi, in Ean North-East LGA, Edo State.”

The controversial decision was further confirmed by the ratification letter forwarded by the Local Government Chairman, Patrick Onogbeni, and the Secretary of Esan North-East, Ehikioya Eromosele, to the State Executive Committee through the State Chairman.

The ratification letter states: “The LGA Board met on May 15, 2024 at approximately 12 noon to discuss the issues raised in connection with the suspension and, accordingly, found them to be of weight and ratified and confirmed the suspension.”

During the meeting, chaired by Kelly Ogbaloi, decisions of the ward and local government committees were approved. Tensions rose as party leaders and members chanted “Abure must go!” in the heated atmosphere.

Despite the uproar, the SEC stood firm and examined the letters and underlying issues before ultimately confirming Abure’s suspension.

The suspension of the national chairman has led to unrest within the party and raised questions about the responsibility of the party leadership and internal governance mechanisms.

Meanwhile, the national leadership of the party has stated that the Edo State association has no authority to suspend Abure.

In a statement released on behalf of the party leadership, the LP’s national spokesman, Obiora Ifoh, said the alleged suspension of Abure was illegal and unconstitutional as it contravened the party’s constitution.

Ifoh stressed that only the National Convention, which was convened for the sole purpose of removing/suspending the party chairman and can be decided by a two-thirds majority, has the right to suspend or remove the national party chairman.

The party stated: “The Labour Party Constitution, Article 17(1) (2019), specifically states that only the National Convention, convened for the sole purpose of removing or suspending the National Chairman, can suspend or remove him by a two-thirds majority. The district, state chairman or even the state have no powers under the Constitution to suspend the National Chairman.”

“However, the party leadership is investigating the source of the alleged suspension letter and will promptly take disciplinary action in accordance with party rules against any official found to be violating party rules.”

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