The Labour Party (LP) has chastised its members in the House of Representatives, accusing them of failing as ambassadors of the party and undermining its leadership.
The criticism is directed at purportedly derogatory statements made about the party’s planned national convention by Hon. Afam Ogene, the leader of the LP caucus in the House.
According to a statement released by the National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, Obiora Ifoh, the party leadership expressed disappointment at its House caucus for frequently resorting to airing internal grievances in the media instead of resolving issues internally. Ifoh mentioned a recent statement by Hon. Ogene, where he questioned the timing of the party’s convention in relation to other internal congresses, as particularly problematic.
Ifoh clarified that the LP’s constitution permits the scheduling of the national convention independently of state, local government, and ward congresses, contrary to Hon. Ogene’s assertions. He criticized Ogene’s apparent lack of understanding of the party’s constitution, emphasizing the need for party members to familiarize themselves with its provisions.
The LP further accused its House members of neglecting their role as representatives of the people and failing to advocate for the party’s interests effectively. Ifoh lamented that despite the challenges facing the country, LP legislators seemed more concerned with personal agendas than championing the party’s ideology.
The party warned its members against further public criticism of internal matters, asserting that disciplinary action would be taken against those who disregarded the party’s authority. However, the LP assured its members of ongoing efforts to ensure a transparent and peaceful national convention through consultations with stakeholders at all levels.
