*LP Disagrees
THE presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in last year’s general elections, Mr. Peter Obi, appears to be heading on a collision course with the party over his visit to the national secretariat on Tuesday, May 21, along with his supporters.
Apparently unhappy about the interpretation and portrayal of the visit as an endorsement of the Julius Abure-led leadership, Obi, on Wednesday morning, May 22, clarified that his visit was not to endorse the leadership, but to engender reconciliation.
A statement by Peter Obi Media Relations (POMR) spokesman, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, insisted the visit was more of reconciliation, not an endorsement of any leadership, as being portrayed.
But in a swift reaction, the LP National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, countered, describing POMR’s statement as a twist of his well-intentioned visit to the leadership of the party, adding that Obi and Abure were on the same page concerning reconciliation in LP, even as he warned against any attempt to twist the visit.
Tanko’s statement read: “Obi’s visit to Labour Party yesterday was not to endorse anybody, but occasioned by his reconciliatory move.
“Abure, in his speech, stated clearly how Obi came to the office, and Obi, in his speech, clarified same, while preaching peace, and his mantra, ‘pursuit of better Nigeria for the poor.’
“Leadership of NLC/TUC Political Arm, Comrades Titus Amba and Chris Uyot, who were informed of Obi travelling out today; hence will honour their invitation, also met with him, and extensively discussed same peace move with them.
“Obi had repeatedly maintained that his interest was to carry everybody along into one strong family and not to support one against the other.
“In all his meetings with with all stakeholders, he has always maintained peace and urged not to lose purpose, which is to free Nigeria suffering and pain.
“The LP standard bearer plans to continue meeting with critical stakeholders and groups to achieve all-inclusive political family with a common dream of rescuing Nigeria.”
But Ifoh’s statement countered: “The attention of the leadership of the Labour Party has been called to a statement issued by the spokesperson to our National Leader, Peter Obi, titled, ‘Obi visits to LP, reconciliatory, not endorsement…,’ Dr. Tanko Yinusa, wherein he tried to twist the well-intentioned visit of the Labour Party’s presidential candidate on the leadership of the party.
“As a party, we are pleased that our leader has chosen to reconcile all aggrieved members and stakeholders of the party.
“This noble step taken by Obi is in line with the call made by the Labour Party’s National Chairman, Julius Abure, during his maiden press conference last week, titled, ‘Triumphant resumption of Abure-led NWC,’ wherein he pleaded with all the warring parties, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), to sheath their swords and join in the rebuilding process in the party.
“Obi’s visit and speech on Tuesday during the FCT solidarity rally has been variedly described in some quarters as an endorsement on the Abure leadership, being his very first visit after the successful national convention of the party held in March.
“But to us as a party, we cherish this visit on whatever nomenclature as a positive wind blowing on the party. We believe that very soon, the reconciliatory efforts will be consummated and metamorphose into a political force that will usher in a government that will liberate Nigerians from the shackles of maladministration we are presently facing in the country.
“Finally, we urge the NLC and its Political Commission to understand that we are not the foe and to see us as an ally in the battle to rescue Nigeria.
“They should emulate the Trade Union Congress (TUC), which has shown greater understanding and willingness to partner with the Labour Party in our efforts to make a new Nigeria possible.”
