LP crisis peaks in Cross River as faction presents former NLC Chairman as state leader

A faction of the Labour Party, LP, in Cross River State, some members of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, have presented the former chairman of NLC, John Ushie as chairman of the caretaker committee of the Party in the state.

They made the presentation today in Calabar.

Recall that Ushie led the same faction during the last general election before INEC formally de-recognised them.

Accepting the new responsibility, Ushie said the new arrangement has put an end to the alleged evil schemes of the Ogar Osim-led administration against the party at the national and state levels.

He maintained that hope is not lost and the party is now positioned to win elections without selling the mandate of the people.

“As you know, our great Labour Party has been in the news for some time; though, never unconnected with the shenanigans of some members both at the state and the national level.

“The good news is that we have been able to put an end to their evil schemes to thwart any further damage, for every evil has an expiring date.

“Hope isn’t lost, together we can begin to win elections without selling out the mandate of the people who have entrusted their destinies in our hands.

“There’s a need to urgently reposition the Labour Party at all levels.

“Hence the system as it were, was plagued with inefficiency, naivety, parochial religion, denominational sentiments and fear to dare innovations.

“It’s time for a new approach, one that prioritises the needs of the many over the interests of the few”, he said.

He stressed that the new leadership will be committed to the principles of democracy, social justice, equity, progress and promoting inclusivity.

He added that the tenure of the former leadership of the party in the state expired in June 2024.

He equally tasked stakeholders to avail themselves of the opportunity as it concerns the upcoming local government election to sponsor viable candidates.

In a statement earlier in the day, signed by the publicity secretary, Dr Lekam Offem and chairman, Ogar Osim, LP insisted the Ogar Osim group was the authentic leadership because the constitution granted them tenures of two terms.

“It is necessary to state clearly that there is no vacuum in Labour Party Cross River State as the current Chairman, Patriarch Ogar Osim and his team of Executives were duly elected at a Congress monitored and documented by INEC in March 2022 for a four-year tenure as enshrined in the party’s constitution in article 16 subsection 1 which says ‘All National and State Officers of the Party shall hold office for a period of 4 years per tenure and a maximum of 2 tenures per member for the respective office.’”

Bogart’s group described Ushie’s faction as impostors and impersonators, cautioning the public and their supporters not to be deceived.

“Ordinarily, we would as usual ignore what we consider to be an anecdote meant to entertain the general public but for the sake of our passionate and committed members who might become victims to these impostors, we strongly call on the authorities to investigate the activities and motive of these desperados whose main aim is to deceive gullible members of the public given the forthcoming Local Council elections.”