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Labour Party will hold congresses, convention in March- Gov Otti reveals
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has said the Labour Party (LP) has formally notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of plans to conduct its congresses and a national convention as part of efforts to reposition the party and strengthen internal cohesion.
Governor Otti disclosed this during a press briefing on at the weekend, while addressing issues arising from recent engagements and resolutions of party stakeholders, noting that preparatory activities are already underway ahead of the congresses scheduled to take place in March.
According to him, the party has also commenced arrangements for the revalidation of existing members and the registration of new ones, describing the exercise as a necessary step before the congresses and National convention.
“INEC has been notified that very soon the congresses will happen. The national convention will also take place. A committee has been set up for the revalidation of members and the registration of new members, and very soon that will be in effect,” the governor said.
Governor Otti also expressed regret over the exit of the party’s former leader and presidential candidate, Peter Obi, while wishing him well in his future endeavours.
He acknowledged that the party has lost a number of members to defections, including some members of the National Assembly, but stressed that the Labour Party remains committed to rebuilding and emerging stronger.
“We regret the exit of the former leader of the party, the former presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi. While we regret it, I wish him well.”
”We have also lost a few members to defection, including some in the National Assembly. However, we have resolved that the party should come together and become a stronger force,” Otti said.
As part of efforts to resolve lingering internal disputes, the governor revealed that the party is calling on its former National Chairman, Julius Abure, to join hands with other stakeholders in strengthening the party rather than pursuing prolonged court cases.
He also disclosed that the Labour Party would not be participating in the forthcoming Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections scheduled for February, citing the tight timeline as the reason for the decision.
“The party regrets that it will not be able to participate in the upcoming FCT local council elections due to the tight schedule,” Otti stated.
Governor Otti further clarified that the Labour Party has no plans to enter into any political coalition, insisting that the focus remains on internal consolidation and institutional rebuilding.
Aside from Otti, other key party figures who attended the meeting included the LP’s Caretaker Committee chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, as well as representatives of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
The Labour Party gained national prominence during the 2023 general elections following its strong showing at the polls, particularly in the presidential race.
However, the party has since been grappling with leadership disputes, court cases, and defections that have affected its internal stability.
The Federal Government has expressed serious concern over the rising cases of Nigerian citizens being illegally recruited to participate in foreign armed conflicts, warning that such activities pose grave risks to lives and violate both national and international laws.
This was made known in a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, who disclosed that the recent media investigations and security reports revealed that several Nigerians were allegedly recruited under false pretences, including promises of lucrative employment, security jobs, educational opportunities, or migration incentives.
Many of the victims were reportedly deployed to active combat zones after being misled or coerced into signing military service contracts.
“Recruitment tactics often involve deceptive offers of high monthly salaries, signing bonuses, and fast-tracked citizenship,” the Ministry noted.
In some cases, victims were compelled to sign contracts written in foreign languages without proper legal guidance, while their travel documents were allegedly confiscated upon arrival. Reports also indicate the involvement of intermediaries who facilitate travel under tourist or other non-military visa categories.
The Nigerian government unequivocally warned citizens against accepting any offer that involves participation in foreign armed conflicts, stressing that such actions endanger lives and may contravene laws regulating mercenary activities and foreign enlistment.
“Individuals who engage in such activities outside approved governmental frameworks do so at their own risk,” the Ministry emphasised.
To curb the trend, the government is working with relevant domestic and international partners to investigate developments and intensify public awareness of the dangers of illegal recruitment.
Nigerian missions abroad have also been directed to strengthen consular vigilance and provide timely advisory services to citizens.
The Ministry further called on parents, guardians, community leaders, and educational institutions to educate young Nigerians about the risks associated with deceptive foreign recruitment schemes. Citizens were advised to verify all overseas employment or study opportunities through official government channels and to report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
The Nigerian government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the welfare and dignity of its citizens at home and abroad, reiterating that citizens must not be exploited or trafficked into foreign armed conflicts under any circumstances.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sympathised with traders and residents of Kano following a devastating fire outbreak at Singer Market, ordering a comprehensive investigation into the recurring incidents.
The fire, which reportedly started on Saturday evening and raged into Sunday morning, causing extensive damage to the popular food market, destroying goods and leaving many traders counting their losses.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the incident as tragic and expressed deep concern over the impact on livelihoods.
President Tinubu said he had reached out to Abba Kabir Yusuf to obtain a firsthand-situation report on the disaster.
“This tragic incident is deeply concerning, especially coming less than two weeks after another fire outbreak at the same market. My thoughts are with the affected traders and their families,” the President was quoted as saying.
He directed relevant authorities to carry out a thorough investigation into the causes of the repeated fires, stressing that urgent measures must be taken to prevent future occurrences.
“The recurring market fires that leave our hardworking traders in despair must be addressed decisively. I have ordered a comprehensive investigation to determine the causes and recommend lasting solutions,” Tinubu stated.
Ex-Kaduna State Governor, Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has accused the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) of procuring a highly toxic chemical compound, thallium sulphate, allegedly capable of being used for assassinations.
In a statement posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday, El-Rufai claimed that information available to opposition political leaders suggested that the office of the National Security Adviser, headed by Nuhu Ribadu, had imported approximately 10 kilograms of thallium sulphate from a supplier in Poland.
The former governor said he had formally written to the ONSA seeking urgent clarification over the alleged transaction, describing the matter as one of grave public concern.
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