By Halimah Olamide
The opposition Labour Party on Monday said a Court of Appeal sitting in Benin City has affirmed Comrade Julius Abure as the authentic National Chairman of the party.
A statement made available to the NPO Reports said the case was that of Mr. Lucky Shaibu v. Julius Abure.
“His Lordships Justice Theresa Ngolika Orji Abadua JCA, Fatima Omoro Akinbami JCA and Hon. Justice Sybil O. Nwaka-Gbagi JCA in a unanimous decision dismissed the appeal of the Appellant,” the statement said
It added that Shauibu who claimed to be a member of Labour Party in Ward 3 Executive in Esan North East of Edo State had suspended the chairman of Labour Party.
The statement quoted Justice Theresa Ngolika Orji Abadua as affirming in the lead judgment the decision of the High Court of Edo State and held that one man cannot suspend the national chairman of Labour Party in line with Article 13 and 17 of the Constitution of the Party and the extant Electoral Act of 2022 particularly when the appellant has been described by the party as unknown.
“The court unanimously nullified the earlier suspension and all actions taken against Com. Julius Abure and the party arising from the purported suspension.,” it said
Reacting to the judgment, Abure said, “I thank the Obidient movement who tarry with me while the impostor lasted”. GC Igbokwe, SAN the counsel to Com. Julius Abure applauded the judgment and reinstated that Com. Julius Abure, Esq remains the national chairman of Labour Party until the party convention holds.
“President Aigbokhan, Esq lead counsel to Labour Party said the decision of the Court of Appeal has given a rest to the battle for the soul of the party. According to him, “it is a landmark judgement that will stand the test of time. Anybody still associating with impostors parading as factional leaders of the party does so at their own peril. Political parties must remain watchdog of national conscience.”