By Victor Ahiuma-Young
Lagos—POLITICAL Commission of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, yesterday, in Lagos, took a decisive measure to curb what it termed unpalatable developments including litigations in the Labour Party, declaring that it plans to convene a broad all-inclusive stakeholders’ forum to discuss the way forward for the political association it initiated, the Labour Party.

In a statement by its Chairperson, Mr. Joe Ajaero, advised that all further meetings or convention be put on hold pending announcement on information on date, time and venue of the stakeholders’ meeting.

According to the statement, “A number of developments in the affairs of the Labour Party has come to our attention in the last few days.  Since the last National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting of the party, litigation has been instituted by some members challenging the legality of the meeting.”

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the party seems riddled with internal crisis.  A meeting of the NWC called for 25th September, apart from suspending some of its members, took a decision to shift the Party Convention from the 4th of October, agreed by NEC, to the 11th of October without reference to NEC.

“The situation is further compounded by the fact that the tenure extension granted to the leadership has since expired.  Clearly, these developments are undermining the image of the party in the public and among its teeming members.  As a major stakeholder the Nigeria Labour Congress is concerned, and can no longer stand by and observe events. Consequently, the Political Commission of the Congress has been mandated to explore ways of safeguarding the party.  To this end, the Political Commission is planning to convene a broad all-inclusive stakeholders’ forum to discuss the way forward for the party. It is, therefore, advised that all further meetings or convention be put on hold.  Information as to date, time and venue of the stakeholders’ meeting will be announced in due course.”