– Discusses Way Forward For Party
In a bid to strategize and chart the way forward for more progress, critical stakeholders and leaders of Labour Party Imo State Chapter, (LP) gathered on Saturday, July, 20, 2024 at the Rento Hotel, Owerri to deliberate on relevant issues ranging from the state of the party, the forthcoming party congresses, the party’s non participation in the Imo LGA election, membership of the party and the party’s roadmap to victory in future elections.
The chairman of the party Barr. Calistus Ihejiagwa in his opening remark, appreciated the Stakeholders for honouring the invitation despite having numerous engagements, adding that their commitment and contributions so far have sustained the party.
Speaking on the state of the party, Barr. Ihejiagwa noted that labour party is peaceful, progressive and working hard to ensure victory for the party, stressing that there is no crisis in the party as misconstrued by many in different media platforms. He posited that the party is focused, unabated and intentional about its growth and progress even as it is set to hold state congresses in two months time.
The chairman gave detailed account of the registration and revalidation exercise that the party has embarked on, revealing that so far the party has about fifteen thousand registered and revalidated members of the party in Imo state, expressing hope that the numerical strength will enormously increase before the conclusion of the exercise.
The National Youth Leader of the party, Prince Kennedy Ahanaotu who represented the National President Barr. Julius Abure thanked the Stakeholders for converging to discuss strategies of advancing the party. He stated that the party has had seasons of fights which he said it’s peculiar to every organization, stressing that greatness comes with high level of challenges.
He emphasized that labour party is unique, with excellent constitution and manifesto that focuses on good governance, people oriented leadership and welfare of the masses. He advised the stakeholders not to compare Labour Party with APC or PDP but to protect the core values, ingredients and features that differentiates the party.
According to him, the party’s decision not to participate in the forthcoming LGA elections in Imo state was taken after due consultations with critical stakeholders of the party in Imo who unequivocally stated that they do not believe that the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC) under the authority of Senator Hope Uzodinma can guarantee a free and fair process in the election, hence there is no need wasting energy, time and resources in a venture which result is already known.
Barr. Mrs. Ngozi Njoku former Commissioner for Women Affairs Imo State, encouraged the party faithfuls to remain dedicated to the objectives of the party, adding that labour party is the only hope for good governance in Nigeria.
Hon. Attorney Matthew Nwaogu, the Federal Rep Member representing Aboh Mbaise, Ngor Okpala Federal constituency who was present at the event expressed joy that Labour Party has given him the platform to represent his federal constituency at the National Assembly while promising not to disappoint or abandon the party but to always contribute his quota as a duty to ensure the sustainability of the party.
Hon. Tochukwu Okere representing Owerri Federal Constituency in the Federal House of Reprsentatives, who was also in attendance expressed gratitude to labour party for his victory which he said has given him the opportunity to execute laudable educational, agricultural, skill acquisition projects in his constituency.
He charged the party to remain focused, show commitment and loyalty to the party, adding that the congresses must be transparent, honest, free and fair where people of capacity shall be chosen to pilot the affairs of the party.
Speaking to the press at the event, the state Chairman reiterated that the Imo State Labour Party will not participate in the LGA election because the party is fully aware that the election which will be conducted by ISIEC under the control of Gov. Uzodinma can never be a credible and uncompromised.
Other dignitaries that graced the occasion include the Imo State governorship candidate of the Labour Party, Sen. Athan Nneji Achonu, Prof. Francis Dike (SAN) former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Imo state, Barr. Mrs. Ngozi Njoku, former Commissioner for Women Affairs, Imo State, Chief Dr. Chimee Nzeribe, Director General, Athan Achonu Campaign Organization, Hon. Clinton Amadi, House Member representing Owerri Municipal Council, in the Imo State House of Assembly, amongst many others.
