The Edo State chapter of Labour Party, LP, has distanced itself from billboards erected in strategic locations of Benin metropolis with the inscription: ‘All known APC and PDP members are not welcomed in Labour Party.’
Labour Party chairman in the state, Comarde Kelly Ogbaloi, during a press briefing in Benin on Thursday, described those behind the erection of such billboards as impersonators, adding that they are faceless individuals unknown to the party in the state.
“Exco observed that huge signpost have been erected in some locations in the Benin metropolis with the inscription ‘All known APC and PDP members are not welcome in Labour Party’ and wish to say that both inscription and the signboard should be disregarded by the public as they are no properties of Labour Party.
“Those behind these acts of impersonation, the abuse of the Party Logo and Colour are faceless and unscrupulous individuals whose intents is to swindle the unsuspecting public,” he added.
While noting that Labour Party is a political party open to all without restriction whatsoever, Comarde Ogbaloi urged security agents to investigate and bring those behind the act to book.
“Labour Party is a political party open to all without restriction whatsoever.
“It should be categorical to all that Labour Party is an embodiment of integrity itself and therefore, does not have any segment of it referred to as “Labour Party Integrity Movement.”
He continued: “To this extent, the law enforcement agencies have been reported to with a view to investigate those behind this lawlessness.”
On the crisis rocking the party at the national level, the state party chairman said: “The state executive council of Labour Party reaffirms its confidence in the National leadership of our Party led by Comrade Barr. Julius Abure.”
He added: “That the Edo State Executive Council and members dissociates itself from the purported NEC held in Bauchi by the renegades, Apapa Lamidi and his gang. Exco further states that all decisions reached there are illegal, total nullity and of no effects whatsoever. Therefore, it should be disregarded by all.”
On his part, State Publicity Secretary of the party, Comrade Sam Uroupadei, urged support group members who are yet to be full members of the party to do so.
He further admonished “support groups issuing statements on behalf of Labour Party without clearance from the leadership, should stop forthwith.”