By James Ogunnaike

Abeokuta-The Ogun State chapter of the Labour Party, LP, at the weekend inaugurated an interim executive to direct its affairs.

The Publicity Secretary of the interim committee, Engr. Kika Glasgow, disclosed this at the extra-ordinary stakeholders’ meeting of the pay, held in Abeokuta Ogun State capital.

According to Glasgow, the current institutional crisis in the party, which included constitutional violation, systematic violation of financial provisions, unilateral financial decisions without statutory consultations, violation of democratic principles, necessitated the formation of the interim committee.

He noted that the tenure of the current leadership of LP in the State, had expired in April 2024, stressing that this constitutes an ultra vires action that undermines the party’s constitutional order.

He alleged the leadership of Jagun of financial mismanagement to the tune of N230m, ethnicity bigotry among other undemocratic ideals.

He said “the current institutional crisis necessitating this intervention is predicated on multiple, severe constitutional breaches such as violation of constitutional term limits as contain in Article 16(i) explicitly which limits the tenure of State Officers to “2 terms of 4 years each.” 

“The continued stay in office of the current leadership, whose caretaker mandate expired in April 2024, constitutes an ultra vires action that undermines our constitutional order”.

Glasgow said, “In a bit to restore constitutional order and in accordance with Article 18 and Article 14(5)(B) the party hereby constitute an interim committee comprising of representatives from all three senatorial districts, mandatory inclusion of women and youth leaders among others”.

“In accordance with Article 8; immediate cessation of all factional activities, restoration of inclusive communication channels, implementation of democratic decision-making and protection of members’ rights and privileges.”

He added that “the Labour Party Ogun State remains committed to its founding principles as enumerated in our constitution’s preamble: “the unity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the leading role of the Nigerian state in the economic and social empowerment of all Nigerians as a pre-requisite for sustainable democracy and prosperity of the people.”

“We call on all stakeholders to support this constitutional restoration process”.

The interim executives will organize  Congress, till when new executive will elected next 

In his acceptance speech, the Chairman, Interim Executive Committee, Apagun Olaolu Samuel, said the mission of the Committee transcends individuals, to restore the foundational principles upon which LP was built; integrity, democracy, and service to the common man.

He promised to “govern with absolute transparency. Every naira of party funds will be accounted for, every decision will be made in accordance with our constitution, and every member’s voice will matter.

“Second, we shall eliminate the cancer of ethnic politics that has threatened to divide us. The Labour Party in Ogun State shall return to its roots as a party that embraces all, regardless of tribal affiliation or social status.

“We shall protect the democratic rights of every party member. Never again shall legitimate candidates be denied their rightful nominations. Never again shall party members face intimidation for expressing their views. To the suspended former leaders, our doors remain open for reconciliation, provided you subject yourselves to proper accounting and constitutional order”.

“To our youth wing and the Obidient family, you represent not just our future but our present. Your energy, innovation, and commitment to a new Nigeria will find full expression under this leadership”.

“To our Local Government Chairmen and party executives at all levels, you are the backbone of our party. Together, we shall strengthen our grassroots structures and prepare for electoral victories. As your chairman, I bring not just experience but a burning passion for justice and good governance. I understand the weight of this responsibility, and I embrace it fully”.

“Let me address our detractors directly: your threats and intimidation only strengthen our resolve. We stand on the firm ground of constitutional authority and moral righteousness. No amount of pressure will deter us from our mission of restoration.”