The Labour Party (LP) has given reasons for its decision to suspend its National Youth Leader, Anselem Eragbe, as well as naming his erstwhile deputy, Prince Kennedy Ahanotu as replacement.
National Publicity Secretary of the Party Comrade, Abayomi Arabambi, on Friday explained that the Youth Leader was suspended for various acts bordering on criminality.
He told newsmen that Mr. Eragbe was suspended after internal investigations found him culpable of offences which include:
“He forged the signature of the National Chairman and National Secretary with which he carried out unofficial assignments.
“He issued certificates to groups unknown to the leadership of the party without the approval of the National Working Committee or the National Chairman.
“He launched a fund mobilization website to receive funds without the approval of the National Working Committee or the National Chairman.
“He wrote several letters to some individuals without the approval of the National Working Committee or the National Chairman.”
The suspended Youth Leader has however denied these charges.
In a statement he circulated to newsmen soon after his suspension was made public, Eragbe said he was being victimized for his strong affinity to the Obidient Movement.
The statement read, “I will like to make reference to Article 17 (iii) page 31 of the Labour Party Constitutional provision on how a ranking National Working Committee member like me as the National Youth Leader can be removed from office, rather than the shame that Barr. Julius Abure has brought upon Mr Peter Obi and Yusuf Datti and LP generally.
“Fellow Nigerians, let it be noted that the National Executive Council of Labour Party is Not Aware of any report of the disciplinary committee that Barr. Julius Abure illegally acted upon, and neither was 2/3 majority of votes cast by NEC members nor was I, as National Youth Leader in attendance in such an NEC meeting that was not called.
“I definitely will not allow myself to be used as an instrument of distraction and destruction at this critical juncture in our nation’s history.
“Relevant authorities and security agencies in Nigeria shall hold Barr Julius Abure liable for whatever crisis that shall precipitate from this his illegal action against me going forward.
“I am prepared to mobilize the youth of our great country to vehemently resist Barr. Julius Abure’s attempt to impose or parade anyone else as the Acting National Youth Leader of the Labour Party”.
