The leadership of the Labour Party (LP) said it was determined to reposition the party and make it the biggest political brand that can rescue Nigeria from the doldrums.
The party’s leadership also commended the director geeneral of its Directorate of Mobilisation and Integration, Dr Marcel Ngogbehei, and its secretary, Shiek Rufai Al-Sadique, for the successes recorded in less than six months.
National publicity secretary of LP, Obiora Ifoh, in a statement, after the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, urged the duo to intensify efforts in opening the party to all Nigerians.
“NEC also approved the restructuring of the Directorate of Mobilization and Integration. The party applauded the instant success achieved by this directorate less than six months after its inauguration.
“NEC urged the directorate under the leadership of Dr. Marcel Ngogbehei and secretaryship, Shiek Rufai Al-Sadique to intensify efforts in opening up the party to all cadre of Nigerian populace to ensure massive membership,” the statement noted.
The statement further noted that the NEC also approved the creation of Directorate of International and Diaspora Affairs.
The new directorate according to the statement will be headed by Prof. Eddie Oparaoji while Ms Aju Elumelu is appointed as the Secretary of the directorate.
“Beside the task of managing the millions of Party members in Diaspora, they must come up with modalities on how diasporans will participate actively in various party congresses including the Ward Congress.
“NEC also directed that various committees which include Electoral Reform Committee, Political Education Committee and State Elders Council be inaugurated with immediate effect”, the statement said.
Speaking on the need for creation of the Electoral Reform Committee, the national chairman of the Labour Party, Julius Abure said, “we note that the Labour Party is a major victim in the 2023 general election and will therefore pursue electoral reform in Nigeria.
“And for us to have credible, proactive leaders that will work in the interest of the people, the processes leading to the selection of these candidates must be credible, fair and transparent.
“To this extent, Labour Party is poised to pursue a holistic electoral reforms in Nigeria. The Committee must take cognizance of all our laws and institutions and therefore make recommendations to the party.
“The recommendations will form the basis of our future engagement with the electorate and all institutions in Nigeria, having roles to play in election matters. This Committee will be Chaired by Hon. Benedict Etanabene while Hon. Okey Joe will be the Co Chair. Dudu Manuga will act as Secretary. The Committee has 8 weeks to submit its report.
On political education committee, Barrister Abure said; “Before and during the 2023 general election, we had this understanding that leadership alone was the major challenge of this country. Events have reshaped this understanding to mean that followership is as guilty as the leadership.
“This indeed has reinforced the philosophy that defines leadership as a reflection of the people. Consequently, we need to mind the mind of our followers and members. There is therefore the need to reorient the people and for the people to begin to change their attitude and behaviors. There is also the need for the people to be the catalyst for growth and development.
“To this extent, Labour Party will constantly invest in political education. This underscores the importance of having a virile, strong and articulate political education committee that will assist the party in mobilizing and conscientizing the people and prepare them for citizens engagement in the country.
“We have therefore appointed Rt Hon Ativie Elizabeth, former Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly as the Chairman and Mr. Bulus Maisamari as the Secretary of the Education Committee respectively. Other members of this committee will be announced in due course.
“We are therefore determined to reposition our Labour Party and to make it the biggest political brand in readiness for future political engagements. Nigeria has remained in the doldrum for too long and we are poised to rescue the nation.”
