By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja
Pastor Dayo Ekong, the chairman of Labour Party in Lagos State has described recent judgment of a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja affirming the legitimacy of Julius Abure led National Working Committee, NWC of the party as a victory for democracy and rule of law.
Ekong said this at a press conference in Lagos on Sunday while speaking on the battle for control of the party between the Abure led faction and another faction led by the 2023 presidential candidate of the party, Peter Obi and Governor Alex Otti.
However, on October 8, 2024, the Federal High Court presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite declared the Labour Party’s national convention held in Nnewi in March 2024 during which the Abure led executive of the party emerged as valid, constitutional
Ekong described the ruling as significant victory for democracy, justice, and the rule of law in Nigeria while noting that the court also directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to duly recognize and extend all privileges to the National Working Committee led by Abure.
“This directive from the judiciary reaffirms the legitimacy of our leadership and strengthens our resolve to continue working tirelessly to uphold the values and principles upon which the Labour Party was founded.
“However, this victory should not make us complacent. Instead, it should inspire us to unite as one strong body in our pursuit of a better Nigeria. We must not allow internal strife, misinformation, or selfish ambitions to derail the progress we have made,” Ekong said at the press conference.
She therefore urged members of the party to put their differences aside so that they can put up a formidable fight in the impending local government election in Lagos.
The Lagos Labour Party chairman said: “The time has come for us to set aside our differences and work together as a formidable force towards the forthcoming council elections. We owe it to ourselves, our supporters, and the citizens of Lagos State to present a united and strong Labour Party that is ready to bring about the much-needed change in our communities.
It is crucial at this juncture to remind our leaders and members that the spirit of service and selflessness must remain at the core of our actions.
“The era of misleading promises and fake assurances is over and we must resist any attempt by a few selfish individuals to sow seeds of discord within our ranks.
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“I call on all leaders to exemplify integrity and genuine commitment to the cause of our party.
“It is crucial to remember that as members of the Labour Party, our utterances and actions carry weight and influence. We must exercise discipline in our speech, refraining from making unfounded accusations or spreading misinformation. Words can either build or destroy, and we should ensure that our words serve the purpose of unity, growth, and progress for the party.
“Those who wish to remain in the Labour Party must recognize the responsibility that comes with membership.
“Discipline in communication is not just about avoiding negative rhetoric; it is about fostering a culture of respect, truth, and constructive engagement.
“Differences in opinion are natural, but they should be expressed in a way that strengthens, rather than weakens, the bonds within the party.
“Baseless accusations, finger-pointing, and divisive language only distract us from our shared goals.
“As we prepare for the council elections, let us remember that our strength lies in our ability to work together despite our differences. I urge every member to prioritize the values of the Labour Party and to channel their grievances through the proper channels, where they can be addressed constructively.
“Now is the time to show Nigerians that the Labour Party is committed to a higher standard of political conduct.
“Let us lead by example, demonstrating that our party is not only a force for positive change but also a model of decorum, integrity, and mutual respect.
“Let us refocus our energies towards building a party that prioritizes the welfare of the people, empowers the youth, and drives meaningful development at all levels of government.
“As we approach the council elections, I urge every member of our party to put the interest of the Labour Party above personal ambitions. Our goal is to deliver credible candidates who will serve the people with dedication, transparency, and accountability.
“The time to demonstrate that the Labour Party remains the true voice of the masses is now. Together, we can overcome any challenge, build a stronger party, and restore hope to the people of Lagos State and Nigeria at large.
“I must also commend the members of the judiciary who upheld the principles of justice, and I call on all members to seize this moment to unite under our party’s banner.
“Let us stand shoulder to shoulder as we march towards victory in the upcoming elections, ensuring that the Labour Party remains the beacon of hope for all Nigerians.”
