The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Labour Party has firmly asserted that the organization is not associated with any lawlessness or actions that could threaten national unity.
In a statement released over the weekend, signed by Obiora Ifo, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, the Labour Party responded to allegations made by Bayo Onanuga, a media aide to the President, who claimed that the party was involved in a proposed nationwide protest.
The Labour Party clarified that its leadership had taken note of a tweet from Onanuga, which unjustly connected the party, its national leader Peter Obi, and several prominent members to the upcoming ‘EndBadGovernance’ protest initiative.
The statement emphasized, “We categorically state that these claims are unfounded and merely a product of the author’s imagination.”
The Labour Party prides itself on being a peaceful organization, having consistently urged its supporters to maintain harmony. The party highlighted that it is not a lawless entity, as evidenced by its conduct following the last general elections.
It described any attempts to associate its supporters with the planned protest as delusional, reaffirming, “Labour Party, Peter Obi, and our supporters are not orchestrating any protests.”
While the party recognizes the right to peaceful protest globally, it underscored that such actions are driven by the populace and not dictated by opposition parties.
Historical examples from countries like Kenya and Egypt demonstrate that protests arise from public frustration with the government, and it is the constitutional right of the opposition to voice dissent.
The Labour Party criticized the government and others for attempting to assign blame for the prevailing issues of governance in Nigeria. It stated, “Nigeria can still find a path to success if appropriate policies are implemented.
We urge presidential aides to exercise caution in their statements to prevent inflammatory rhetoric that could potentially destabilize the nation for the sake of politics.”
