Politics
2023: Utomi, Falana, Jega Adopt Labour Party As Third Force
The Third Force group led by Professor Pat Utomi, Attahiru Jega and Femi Falana amongst others has adopted the Labour Party as the Force’s grand coalition mega movement ahead of the 2023 elections.
The group which is made up of the National Consultative Front, (NCFront), led by Utomi teamed up with The Political Alternative Movement (TPAM), led by human rights lawyer and activist, Falana, as well as the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Prof. Jega, and Senator Saidu Dansadau of the National Rescue Movement, amongst others.
The National Deputy Chairman of Labour Party (LP), South-South, Prince Favour Reuben who disclosed this in Calabar during the election and inauguration of Ambassador Ogar Osim as Chairman of the party said that a one-time presidential candidate, Utomi and Prof Jega have resolved to work with and strengthen the Labour Party.
Reuben said the trio have come together to ensure that power is taken from those who have put Nigeria in such a bad state due to a lack of leadership capacity.
The Chairman used the opportunity to call on members of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the state State “to register with Labour Party at their respective wards and work with the leadership of the State.
He said the apex body of the Party led by Barrister Julius Abure as National Chairman will not recognize anyone from Cross River State except for those certified by the State Executive that has been duly elected through the Congress.”
He advised the state executive of the party to be focused and serve the party with dedication, efficiency and honesty and not be distracted by any person or group of persons.
Reuben tasked the new officers to work hard and take over Cross River State and install sound leadership.
You have the mandate of the Party to ensure that come 2023, Labour Party must take over Cross River State and provide the needed leadership which the two political parties that have ruled the state and the nation have failed to provide since the return to Democracy.”
He thanked INEC for putting in place necessary modalities to ensure free and fair elections come, 2023.
Barrister Roland Ndoma Osim administered the oath of office to Ambassador Ogar Osim and other newly elected state officers.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has strongly rejected calls by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria seeking the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, over comments he allegedly made on genocide.
The Fellowship described the demand as unjustified and a threat to constitutional freedoms.
In a statement signed by its National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, the PFN insisted that Prof Amupitan, like every Nigerian, has the constitutional right to express his views on matters of national concern, irrespective of the public office he occupies.
According to the PFN, the comments attributed to the INEC Chairman were made in his personal capacity and had no link whatsoever with his official responsibilities or electoral duties.
The Fellowship stressed that elections and electoral activities were not involved in the matter, arguing that there was no basis to connect the alleged comments to Prof Amupitan’s role as INEC Chairman.
“We strongly oppose such calls because Prof. Amupitan, as a Nigerian, has the right to make comments on what he observes to be happening in the nation, regardless of his appointment or assignment,” the statement read.
The PFN said it condemned “in every ramification” the suggestion that the INEC Chairman should be removed from office on the basis of his personal views, warning against attempts to punish public officials for expressing opinions outside the scope of their official duties.
The Tide source reports that the Fellowship also cautioned against what it described as a growing tendency to interpret national issues through religious lenses, noting that such an approach only deepens divisions and undermines peaceful coexistence.
“We must resist the temptation of profiling or judging people based on their religious beliefs or positions. Prof. Amupitan has a right to bear his mind, and this should not be at the cost of his job,” the PFN added.
The PFN called on all stakeholders to exercise restraint, understanding and mutual respect in national discourse, particularly on sensitive issues.
It emphasised that unity and peace must remain paramount in addressing national challenges.
The Fellowship reaffirmed its commitment to fairness, justice and mutual respect, urging that these values guide public engagement and responses to issues affecting the country.
The Special Adviser on Political Affairs to the Rivers State Governor, Dr. Darlington Oji, has disclosed that about 15 Special Advisers to the governor were duly approved by the Rivers State House of Assembly before the current political crisis in the State.
Oji made the disclosure in a Television programme in Port Harcourt, recently, while reacting to issues surrounding appointments, the impeachment moves against the governor and his deputy, and allegations of financial mismanagement.
He clarified that the appointment of Special Advisers was carried out in strict compliance with constitutional provisions, and received the approval of the Rivers State House of Assembly under the leadership of the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, before the crisis began.
According to the Special Adviser, the appointments did not require any further screening, countering claims that the governor violated due process in constituting his advisory team.
On the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, Oji described the process as unfounded and lacking constitutional backing.
He said that several lawmakers who initially supported the impeachment move were now reconsidering their stance after discovering that the process had no legal basis.
Oji also attributed the impeachment plot to personal and political ambitions, saying it is not motivated by the interest or welfare of the people of Rivers State.
Speaking on the financial position of the State after the Emergency Rule, the Special Adviser disclosed that the governor met about ?600 billion in the state’s coffers upon assumption of office.
He explained that the availability of funds enabled the administration to continue governance smoothly without the need for a supplementary budget.
The governor’s aide also refuted allegations of financial mismanagement against the governor, and stressed that all allocations to lawmakers and constituency projects were transparently handled.
He maintained that the Fubara administration remained focused on development, stability, and good governance despite the political distractions in the State.
Oji expressed confidence that the impeachment moves would eventually be abandoned as legislators and the public become more informed, adding that the governor’s leadership has continued to reassure citizens and sustain political stability in the State.
King Onunwor
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