The Court of Appeal sitting in Benin City has ruled that Comrade Julius Abure remains the substantive National Chairman of Labour Party.
The Lordships Justice Theresa Ngolika Orji Abadua JCA, Fatima Omoro Akinbami JCA and Hon. Justice Sybil O. Nwaka-Gbagi JCA in a unanimous decision dismissed the appeal of Mr. Lucky Shaibu v. Julius Abure & 5 ORS (Appeal No: CA/B/93/2023)
Recall that one Lucky Shauibu who claimed to be a member of Labour Party in Ward 3 Executive in Esan North East of Edo State suspended the chairman of Labour Party.
In her lead judgment Justice Theresa Ngolika Orji Abadua JCA, affirmed the decision of the High Court of Edo State and held that one man cannot suspend the national chairman of Labour Party in line with Article 13 and 17 of the Constitution of the Party and the extant Electoral Act of 2022 particularly when the appellant has been described by the party as unknown.
The court unanimously nullified the earlier suspension and all actions taken against Com. Julius Abure and the party arising from the purported suspension.
Reacting to the judgment, Abure eulogized team of justices who refused to close their eyes to the justice of the case.
He also thanked the team of selfless lawyers led by GC Igbokwe, SAN.
He thanked the Obidient movement who tarried with him while the impostor lasted.
Counsel to Comrade Abure, GC Igbokwe(SAN) applauded the judgment and reinstated that Abure, remains the national chairman of Labour Party until the party’s convention holds.
President Aigbokhan, Esq lead counsel to Labour Party said the decision of the Court of Appeal has given a rest to the battle for the soul of the party.
According to him, “it is a landmark judgement that will stand the test of time. Anybody still associating with impostors parading as factional leaders of the party does so at their own peril. Political parties must remain watchdog of national conscience.”