By Harry Awurumibe, Editor Abuja Bureau
The national leadership of the Labour Party has expressed surprise at a recent court judgement that allegedly removed Senator Attan Achonu as its Imo State Governorship candidate.
This is even as the party under the leadership of Barrister Julius Abure, has asserted that the contentious judgement was fraudulently obtained by individuals who had previously been members of the party but now presented themselves as leaders.
According to a press statement signed by LP Acting National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Obiora Ifoh an made available to journalists in Abuja, outlined the party’s position on the matter.
Ifoh’s statement read in parts: “The leadership of the Labour Party is deeply dismayed by the verdict delivered against our distinguished candidate, Senator Athan Achonu, in the November governorship election in Imo State.
“We can confirm that the judgement was fraudulently obtained by our former members, who are currently under suspension. These individuals, led by Lamidi Apapa, have acted against the principles of our party. As a result, we have promptly instructed our legal team to file an appeal against this judgement without delay.”
“This is not the first time we will be seeing such a back door judgement. You recall that the Apapa group is known for propagating falsehood, misinformation and a series of blackmail and this is yet another of their mischief.
“Not too long ago, we had intimated Nigerians particularly our teaming party members of the activities of the Apapa-led renegades; how they have been moving around Nigeria shopping for a willing court that will do their biddings.
“The judgement in Bayelsa is akin to what transpired in Kano state recently where they procured a judgement against our party and against our Abia State then governor-elect. They have not relented on their evil mission hence this judgement in Bayelsa state, even against the territorial jurisdiction as required by the law of the land.
“The fraudulently procured judgement is against the doctrine of fair hearing as provided by the 1999 constitution as the party candidate was not a subject to the suit and therefore not aware of the ongoing litigation.”
The statement further read: “All that they did was that the Apapa cronies came together, divided themselves, some posed as defendants and the others as petitioners.
“They sued and appeared for and against themselves and procured the back door judgement unknown to the candidate. The judgement will not stand; It cannot stand the fire in the court of Appeal and it cannot stand against the principles of the constitution.
“We therefore call on our supporters, especially those in Imo state to continue with their good works. They should not lose sleep over that judgment as it will be vacated just like the Kano judgement.
“We also need to make it abundantly clear that the judgment has nothing to do with the national leadership of the party. Barrister Julius Abure led National Working Committee remains the authentic leader of the party and nothing has changed. We, therefore, ask members of the public to disregard the purported judgment.”
