The Labour Party Caucus in the House of Representatives has rejected the purported dismissal of Hon. Afam Victor Ogene as Caucus Leader by the embattled former national chairman of the party, Barrister Julius Abure, calling the move "laughable," "naive," and "misleading."
This reaction comes in response to Abure's announcement on Monday, following the Labour Party Reps' statement welcoming last Friday's Supreme Court judgment, which declared Abure's tenure as national chairman to have ended. The caucus had expressed its willingness to work towards internal peace and progress under the leadership of the National Caretaker Committee (NCC), headed by Senator Esther Nenadi Usman. However, Abure proceeded to announce the ‘sacking’ of Hon. Ogene as Caucus Leader.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Labour Party Reps emphasized that the position of Caucus Leader is not one to be appointed but is instead chosen and elected by the members based on their leadership qualities and their ability to represent the party's interests. The caucus clarified that only its members have the right to elect or remove their leader.
The caucus explained that on May 6, 2023, a 35-member Labour Party caucus in the 10th Assembly of the House of Representatives elected Hon. Afam Victor Ogene as its Leader with 21 votes, following a closely contested election. While 34 Members-Elect were present, 31 took part in the election, with three members abstaining.
"It is only the members of the caucus who overwhelmingly elected him who have the right to remove him as leader—not an 'authoritarian power-thirsty individual' still battling with allegations of malfeasance," the statement read.
The caucus also addressed Abure’s continued missteps, asserting that his recent actions were likely driven by the caucus’s support for the Supreme Court judgment, which declared his tenure had long expired. The Labour Party Reps reiterated that the majority of LP House members stand behind this decision, which will be further demonstrated during a meeting convened by Party National Leader Mr. Peter Obi and Governor Alex Otti on April 9.
The statement went on to strongly criticize Abure’s leadership, accusing him of prioritizing personal financial gain over the party’s integrity. It pointed to a history of alleged financial misconduct, including accusations of forgery and improper handling of party funds. The caucus also mentioned that, despite raising significant funds during the 2023 elections, Abure has yet to account for the party’s finances.
“Abure’s leadership has been characterized by forgery, money, and more money—raising questions about his motives. From Ebonyi to Edo, Ondo, and Plateau, his leadership style has been marred by financial malfeasance, compromising the party's integrity,” the caucus stated.
It further emphasized that no party organ would entrust funds to Abure, particularly in light of the serious allegations of financial misconduct against him. The caucus confirmed that all funds belonging to the House of Representatives Caucus remain intact and will only be used in accordance with members' decisions, not at the discretion of the former chairman.
In conclusion, the caucus expressed its desire for a fresh start, free from the tainted leadership of Abure. "The Labour Party deserves a clean break from an integrity-deficient history and to move forward towards a future all party faithful can be proud of," the statement concluded.
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