Labour party alleges NLC, TUC of conspiracy to distabilise the party
Labour Party has alleged Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC and the Trade Union Congress, TUC of plan to call an illegal and unconstitutional convention.
The party in a statement issued by its Director of Publicity and Media Strategy, Yinka Richards in Abuja condemned in strongest terms and dissociate itself from the inglorious and illegal attempt by these meddlesome interlopers to create disaffection in the party under the guise of pursuing a court judgement.
Richards said according to an impeccable source from INEC, NLC and TUC have mapped out their strategy to forcefully take over the party.
He said the judgement of the court did not ask the NLC and TUC to usurp the constitutionally guaranteed power of the National Executive Committee of the party to take decision on when to hold a National Convention and to prepare the agenda , organise the National Convention.
‘’The constitution of the Labour Party does not recognise nor confer any status on the NLC and TUC. This was affirmed by INEC in a letter addressed to the President of NLC dated 3rd of September,2015 with reference no INEC/DEPM/LP/16T/68’’, he said.
Richards also condemned the desperation of the President of the NLC and his interference in the activities of the Party.
He eulogised the performance of INEC and its leadership and urged them to disregard any unlawful assemblage in the guise of calling for a national convention which is not in line with the labour party’s constitution and the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
‘’By Section 221 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,1999: No association order than a political party party shall canvass for votes for any candidates at an election or contribute to the funds of any political party’’, he said.
‘’By section 15(1) of the Trade Union Act,a trade Union is prohibited from applying its funds in furtherance of political objectives’’.
The Director of Publicity also said, the Labour Party according to section 80 of the Electoral Act,2010 is a body corporate with perpetual succession with separate and distinct identity.The names and address of the National Officers as well as the constitution of the party are registered with INEC in accordance with Section 222 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,1999.
He also quoted article 12 and 13 of the party’s constitution which spelt out the principal organs of our party and also the composition, functions and powers of the organs.
‘’By article 13(2) B(ii), it is the National Executive Council (NEC) that has the power to prepare the agenda, organise the National Convention as when due and implement its decisions and directives’’. And by Article13(2) B(iv),NEC is equally empowered to take decisions on when to hold a regular National Convention of the party in the event that the National Convention could not hold for any reason or whatsoever’’.
He therefore warned the leadership of the NLC and TUC to desist from further illegal action that may affect the existing peace in our society.
