March 20, (THEWILL)- On Wednesday, The Nigeria Labour Congress occupied the National headquarters of the Labour Party (LP), in Abuja.
Led by members of its Political Commission, the NLC team arrived at the LP Secretariat about 10:30 am, displaying placards.
Though resisted by a team of armed policemen who prevented their entrance into the secretariat, the protesting workers, however, pulled the gates open.
THEWILL reports that the NLC stormed the secretariat to protest the party’s national convention planned for the end of this March. The Congress also demanded the sack of Julius, the Labour Party National Chairman.
The NLC had in a statement on Friday, March 15, accused Abure of running the Labour Party as a Sole Administrator by secretly scheduling a supposed National Convention of the Party for March 2024, without consulting stakeholders.
Passing a “vote of no confidence” on Abure as National Chairman of the Labour Party, the NLC Political Commission in a statement jointly signed by its Chairperson, Comrade Titus Amba and Secretary, Comrade Chris Uyot Secretary, called for the constitution of a caretaker transition committee to organise a legitimate and all-inclusive National Convention of the Labour Party.
Meanwhile, the National Working Committee of the Labour Party has condemned the action of the NLC, describing it as an abuse of power.
The LP’s National Youth Leader, Kennedy Ahanotu, expressed disappointment with how the NLC handled the situation.
While saying it is wrong for a movement that symbolises the masses’ struggle to picket a political party, the NWC member accused the NLC leadership of being partisan through their action.
“Nigeria is a democratic and lawful country. Therefore, people should know the boundaries of the law. If the NLC feels it is their right and it is lawful to picket the Labour Party, it is fine. But if it is not lawful, they will face the consequences of the law.
“For crying out loud, there are workers’ issues to look into. There are issues of minimum wage, health, fuel removal crisis, and insecurity everywhere. The NLC is supposed to be concerned about the welfare of Nigerian workers, not picketing a political office.
“Let them continue to picket the party office and see where it leads them. They can’t stop the party from breathing. After the issue between the party and the NLC, it is not worth this kind of drama they are playing.
“There is a lot of power play going on, and it is unhealthy for our generation. That level of power play cannot help a system that wants to be rejigged. Even if the NLC is the founder of the Labour Party, the party is an institution on its own and should be allowed to breathe.
“Again, the NLC should not show any sign of partisanship in terms of practical politics because they are supposed to be facing the government of the day. They are not even supposed to participate in political activities. It should be done underground and not be playing to the gallery in the manner they are doing.
“If they are accusing Abure, the chairman and secretary of the NLC Political Commission have been there for more than 15 years. Is that democratic? I am not comfortable with what is playing out here”, he said.
On his part, the Spokesman for the Party Campaign Organisation, Yunusa Tanko, called for caution; adding that there is an ongoing effort at a stakeholders’ meeting in Asaba, Delta State capital, to resolve the rift between the NLC and the party leadership.
“We are working round the clock to resolve our differences with the NLC. You know they are part of us. There is an ongoing meeting of LP stakeholders, lawmakers, and others in Asaba to discuss it and other issues”, he said.
