Labour Party, LP, has accused Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, of planning to organise an “illegal and unconstitutional convention”.
LP in a statement on Thursday by its Director of Publicity and Media Strategy, Yinka Richards, said “meddlesome interlopers” were trying to create disaffection in the party under the guise of pursuing a court judgement.
Richards insisted that the ruling of the court did not ask the NLC and TUC to usurp the constitutional powers of the National Executive Committee of the party to take decision on when to hold a 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.
‘’By Section 221 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,1999: No association other 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 noted.
‘’By section 15(1) of the Trade Union Act, a trade Union is prohibited from applying its funds in furtherance of political objectives’’.
He also quoted article 12 and 13 of the party’s constitution which spelt out 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’’.
The spokesman urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to disregard any unlawful assemblage 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.
Richards further warned the leadership of the NLC and TUC “to desist from further illegal action that may affect the existing peace in our society”.
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