By Editor.
The Caretaker Committee of the Labour Party in Cross River State led by Comrade John O Ushie Ph.D., JP and members visited the Chairman of the Cross River State Independent Electoral Commission (CROSIEC) Dr. Ekong Edet Boco and his Management Team on Thursday 26 September, 2024, in his office on 5, Bishop Mouynah Avenue, State Housing Estate, Calabar.
The visit was in continuation of his familiarisation and introduction of the Caretaker Committee to key stakeholders after their inauguration in Calabar, the State Capital.
Comrade (Dr.) Ushie felicitate the Chairman of CROSIEC., Dr. Boco for the presentation of notice of election for the 2024 local government council election scheduled for October 26, 2024, as he informed him and his Commissioners that the Caretaker Committee is a product of the National Labour Party Extended Stakeholders Meeting held on 4th September 2024, in Umuhia, and convened by Dr. Alex Otti, Governor of Abia State and then Acting National Chairman and other stakeholders to reposition and rebuild the Labour Party after the unconstitutionally and illegal tenure of Barr. Julius Abure which expired on 8th June, 2024.
According to Comrade Ushie, the Labour Party Constitution and the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended stipulates for time frame (tenure) for elected officials and that Abure’s tenure had come to an end since 8th of June, 2024 alongside the States Executive Council, SEC of the Party.
Hence, wonder why one Ogar Osim still parades himself as the State Chairman of Labour Party in Cross River State.
“Chairman, it may interest you to know that far reaching resolutions were made that includes, the Inauguration of Caretaker Committee to immediately begin the implementation of congresses at the various levels: Wards, LGAs,
States and Delegates Congresses towards the conduct of the Labour Party (LP) National Convention 2024.
“The ratification of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) rejection of the illegal and unconstitutional National convention conducted by Julius Abure on 27th March, 2023 in Nnewi, Anambra State.
“The dissolution of the 20 man National Working Committee (NWC) members elected from the 10th June 2019 National Convention in Akwanga Nasarawa State alongside States Executive Council (SEC) and all the illegal structures installed by the Julius Abure unconstitutional administration from 29th March 2021 till 8th June, 2024 nationwide.
“Mr. Chairman, it is on this notes that your Commission (CROSIEC) shall work only with the legally constituted State Caretaker Committee led by me, Comrade John O Ushie,” he concluded.
In his response, the CROSIEC Chairman, Dr. Ekong Edet Boco, on behalf of the Commission thanked the Labour Party Caretaker Committee Chairman, Comrade John O Ushie for the clarification.
“As a Commission we will work within the confines of the Law and wouldn’t tolerate any attempt to undermine the Constitution setting us up.
“I want to promise you, and other political parties and stakeholders that we will be professional, and unbiased in the course of the forthcoming Local Government Council Election.
“May I seize this opportunity to let you know that I will address the issues raised by you and most unfortunately the one of the missing Letter of Introduction of Committee Members addressed to my office that I didn’t see until another one was made available to me through the Commission’s Secretary, Dr. Lawrence Edu Esq. on Wednesday 25th of September, 2024.
“Let me appeal also that you reconcile your differences as a family relying on your Party Constitution,” he said.
The Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Lawrence Edu Esq and the Commissioners were in attendance as they also contributed during the parley.
Amongst the Committee Members present at the meeting were Surv. Nkoyo Otu, the SA to Cross River State Governor on Inter Party Affairs and Treasurer of the Committee, Comrade Amawu Cletus Albert, State Publicity Secretary, Hon. Prosper Emmanuel Etim, Organising Secretary, Hon. Sunday Ekpo, Financial Secretary, Dr. Gabriel Akpeke, Sir. Godwin Amoikwen, Comrade Divine Charles Eke, Assistant Organising Secretary, Akpama Kammonke Essien, Assistant Secretary, Comrade Egbe Agbara and Comrade Bassey Edet Okon.
It is important that every misunderstanding within the party be resolved please. LP is the people ‘s party n we cannot afford to have rancor within it. Long live LP!