Edo LP suspends national chairman Julius Abure

The Labour Party (LP) in Edo State has suspended its national chairman, Julius Abure, after the state executive committee confirmed his suspension for Arue Ward 3 in Esan North-East Local Government Area. The suspension was detailed in a letter dated May 14, 2024, addressed to Abure.

During a press conference on Friday evening in Benin City, the Edo State capital, LP Esan North-East LG Chairman Patrick Onogbenin disclosed that he had received the suspension letter from the Third District Chairman Thompson Ehiguese. The letter mentioned Abure’s alleged arrogance, anti-party activities and other fraud allegations which are currently under investigation.

Onogbenin explained that the local government executive had deliberated on the issues raised and found them important enough to be submitted to the state executive for ratification.

Labour Party National Chairman Kelly Ogbaloi, after receiving and reading the letters, confirmed the National Executive Committee’s decision to uphold the suspension. Ogbaloi stressed that the decision was reluctant but necessary as it came from Abure’s home district.

“The national executive committee is normally extremely reluctant to accept such a situation, but I must tell you that tonight we are very constrained and have no means of rejecting this presentation,” Ogbaloi explained.

“This is all the more true since it actually comes from the district where Attorney Julius Abure comes from. We therefore do not find the slightest evidence that could prevent us from agreeing to ratify the suspension.”

He further stated: “On behalf of the state executive committee, we have ratified the suspension. Please note that you have been suspended from membership of Ward 3, Arue, Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government, Edo State. This decision was taken after thorough deliberation by the members of the ward, taking into account your arrogance, your anti-party activities in the party administration and myriad other fraud allegations against you which are currently under investigation.”

The suspension represents a significant development in the internal affairs of the Labour Party and reflects ongoing tensions and allegations within the party leadership.