“Itubo Announces Resolution of Labour Party Turmoil as Rivers Appoints Fresh Leadership”
The head of the Labour Party in Rivers State and its 2023 gubernatorial candidate, Beatrice Itubo, asserts that the party is no longer fragmented, emphasizing that the time of factional governance has concluded.
Itubo made this declaration while speaking to reporters following the party’s state congress in Port Harcourt on Saturday, where fresh executives were elected to oversee its operations.
She warned against additional legal disputes regarding leadership, pointing out that reentering the courts would merely deplete the party’s limited resources.
As she indicated, dissatisfied members are being urged to rally around the leadership recognized by both the judiciary and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, headed by Esther Nenadi Usman, to realign the party in preparation for the 2027 general elections.
Itubo remarked, “I have consistently been a staunch advocate for the Nenadi Usman-led leadership. And when the courts ultimately affirmed that, I was present as well. That is precisely why we have gathered here today to conduct this congress.
“Thus, there is no faction within the Labour Party. We are a united party. We are simply inviting them to return.”
She continued, “We can construct a robust and cohesive party. And advance the party. It’s not solely about individual interests.
“Our doors are open. I wish for all of them to return so that we can progress together.”
The former gubernatorial candidate also dismissed assertions that the Labour Party exists primarily on social platforms, claiming that its performance in the 2023 elections showcased its effectiveness across multiple governance levels.
She did, however, attribute the party’s challenges to internal conflicts, which she alleged were designed to undermine its framework and led to the departure of several members.
Itubo maintained that the Labour Party achieved success in both national and state elections, adding that while the results of the last elections have been acknowledged, the party is committed to preventing a recurrence of such issues in 2027.
Regarding Peter Obi’s role in enhancing the party’s visibility, Itubo recognized his contributions but emphasized that the Labour Party has consistently enjoyed strong grassroots backing as a workers-focused organization.
She remarked that workers form the backbone of the party, especially during times when many are adversely impacted by the nation’s economic difficulties.
“The Labour Party has consistently been a prominent party. For Peter Obi, yes, his entry into the party also elevated its status to a reasonable degree. But you know, as well as I do, that the Labour Party is fundamentally a workers-focused organization.
“I am aware there is no household in this country devoid of workers. Thus, these workers constitute the foundation of the party. So when Peter Obi arrived, it simply provided us with a boost.
“However, the workers remain present. And today they have come to express their desires. There isn’t a Nigerian who is satisfied with the current situation.
“And so, the workers are the most affected. You observe inflation everywhere. Salaries remain stagnant.
“Individuals are succumbing daily due to hunger. When illness strikes, there’s no money for medications and such necessities.
“Consequently, in the end, you will find that the Labour Party will, by God’s grace, emerge even stronger.”
She further characterized the recently concluded congress as a major deviation from previous practices, where individuals allegedly imposed themselves as party executives without following due procedure.
She noted that delegates from all 23 local government areas participated in the event and collectively elected new leaders to serve for the next four years.
Itubo expressed confidence in the newly elected executives, highlighting their performance during their interim tenure over the past three months.
She stated they played a vital role in stabilizing the party following a leadership crisis that saw the former interim chairman and most of his team defect to the African Democratic Congress, ADC, an action she claimed nearly rendered the party inactive in the state.
She noted that focused efforts by party stakeholders aided in rebuilding the structure and restoring unity among members.
She added, “Indeed, we are pleased that we have finally established an executive for the Labour Party here in the state.
“It’s a significant shift from what had previously occurred, where individuals would simply remain at home, in their parlors, or at social venues with friends and declare themselves as executives.
“However, today you have all witnessed that the 23 local government areas were fully present, and they all consented to elect those who will manage the affairs of the Labour Party here in the state for the next four years.
“So, it’s a positive development, and I wish to believe that with the enthusiasm I’m observing, they will strive to ensure the Labour Party remains relevant.”
Also addressing the assembly, the newly elected State Chairman of the party, Fredric Nwojie, stated that the current leadership commenced as a caretaker committee appointed by the national leadership under Usman.
He elaborated that efforts were made to reconcile members and unify various factions, noting that while many returned to the party, a small number opted not to reintegrate.
Nwojie termed the Labour Party as a pioneer, highlighting its introduction of electronic registration for members.
He stressed that the party’s membership predominantly comprises workers who are not motivated by self-interest.
He remarked, “We are fighting for a cause, not against anything.”
NAIJATAB reports that the new executives emerged through a consensus approach, while previous executives and standing committees were disbanded.
The congress saw participation from party members across the 23 local government areas of the state, along with representatives from organized labor, including the Nigeria Labour Congress NLC, the Trade Union Congress, TUC, and officials from the party’s national leadership.
