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Alleged missing N3.5bn: Labour Party states chairmen demand Abure’s resignation
The crisis rocking Labour Party (LP) has taken a new dimension as chairmen of the party in the 36 states of the country have reportedly passed a vote of no confidence on the national chairman of the party, Julius Abure.
The stand of the chairmen was disclosed by the Plateau State Chairman, Solomon Ndam, during a press briefing held in Bauchi state on Saturday
It could be recalled that on February 12, 2024 the embattled Abure was accused of mismanagement of funds belonging to the party and asked by the national treasurer of the party to account for the alleged missing N3.5 billion realized from the sales of nomination forms for the 2023 general elections.
“During off-cycle elections in several states last year, the party raised around N958 million from nomination forms and donations,” the national treasurer Mrs. Uluchi Opara disclosed.
The 36 chairmen also commended Peter Obi for his swift action in response to the call for the external audit of the Labour Party’s account.
They further stated that the gesture underscore Obi’s unwavering commitment to transparency and the principle of the new Nigeria project
“However, the statement find ourselves at a critical juncture where we must address certain internal matters for the sake of our party’s integrity in the spirit of openness and accountability as elected Chairmen of Labour Party in Nigeria,” Ndam said.
“We wish to address certain concerns that have come to our attention.
“We are appealing to His Excellency Petet Obi, Senator Ahmed Datti, and other distinguished personalities within the party to join us in requesting Barrister Abure to step aside”
“However, the step is essential to facilitate the establishment of an independent investigative panel that will thoroughly examine various allegations, including the misappropriation of funds level against him by the Treasurer of our Party and indeed the complaints of forgery and impersonation by a of our party aggrieved members
“Against the above mention and other allegations on Abure compelled us to take a stand on the matter.
“Furthermore, we want to draw attention to a critical matter that could impact the upcoming off-season election in Edo State.
“We want to remind the party and the people of Edo State about the potential repercussions if we emerge victorious and these legal complexities surrounding the leadership of the party is not been addressed.”