In a bold move to preserve the integrity of the Labour Party (LP), the Lagos chairman, Rasheed Bamishe, has made a public appeal for the resignation of the National Chairman, Julius Abure.
Amidst allegations of corruption and misconduct, Bamishe has voiced concerns that the party’s reputation and democratic values are at risk.
Bamishe’s statement, delivered from the party’s Lagos secretariat, emphasized the need for Abure to step down in favor of a caretaker chairperson who would oversee the organization of state congresses leading up to the National Convention.
“We urge Barrister Abure to leave the Party now because the litany of corrupt cases against him has done collateral damage to the image of the Labour Party.
“The Labour Party which was formed by the founding fathers to be a beckon of hope for millions of Nigerians is gradually being destroyed by Barrister Abure and this should not be allowed to continue,” he said.
This call to action aims to prevent Abure from proceeding with his planned National Convention on March 27, 2024.
Highlighting the severity of the accusations against Abure, including dishonesty, forgery, and signature fabrication, Bamishe underscored the damage these have inflicted on the Labour Party’s image.
”The party, envisioned as a beacon of hope for countless Nigerians, is now under threat due to the actions of Barrister Abure,” he remarked.
Bamishe further declared that the Labour Party, as a democratic entity, cannot operate as a one-person operation. He suggested that Abure should consider forming his own political party if he wishes to maintain singular control.
“Even if all these allegations are not true, the reasonable option open to the embattled Labour Party National Chairman is to step aside to pave the way for thorough investigations into the cases of alleged fraud against him.
“In a civilized clime, Barrister Abure should have exited office since the flurry of fraud cases against him became public knowledge but because of the culture of impunity in Nigeria, he is still clinging to power.
“Barrister Abure should tell the world where the National Convention of Labour Party in which he emerged as National Chairman was held.
“Barrister Abure is plotting to install himself again as the National Chairman of Labour Party through another illegal Convention and this should not be allowed to happen,” he stressed.
Bamishe concluded by urging all party stakeholders to come together and explore every legal avenue, including litigation, to ensure Abure’s removal from office.
This collective effort seeks to reinstate the Labour Party’s credibility, dignity, and integrity.
