Ex-Minister Nenadi Usman has been named the Chair of the Labour Party’s Caretaker Committee, tasked with steering the party through its current transition phase.
On Wednesday, the Labour Party declared that a temporary committee of 29 individuals would be formed and headed by Senator Nenadi Usman, who previously served as Minister of Finance.
Senator Darlington Nwokocha, who previously held the position of Senate Minority Deputy Leader, has been assigned to act as Secretary for a committee tasked with overseeing the election of new leadership within their political party. The deadline given for completion is 90 days from now.
According to the statement released by Ukoha Njoku, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor of Abia State, the resolution was reached at Government House Umuahia during an NEC/Extended Stakeholders meeting held by the party.
According to him, the Committee’s Terms of Reference entail guaranteeing that Ward, Local Government, State Congresses and National Convention are promptly conducted in adherence to the Labour Party Constitution.
Following the NEC/Extended Stakeholders Meeting in Umuahia, Abia State Capital, a roll call was conducted to confirm that the meeting had been properly convened. A Caretaker Committee of 29 members was immediately established to ensure continuity in Party Leadership and prevent any leadership vacuum.
The last election saw participation from diverse interest groups, such as NLC, TUC and representatives of Senate, House of Representatives, House Assembly along with candidates for gubernatorial positions.
The meeting praised Governor Alex Otti’s leadership in organizing the gathering and urged all party members to assist the Caretaker Committee in fulfilling its objectives.
The resolution identified various individuals for membership in the Committee, including 3 Senators, 4 House of Representative members, 3 State House Assembly members, as well as representatives from Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress. Additionally, it included three Gubernatorial Candidates who participated in the previous election among other potential candidates.
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Alex Otti, the Governor of Abia state, stated that the purpose of the meeting was to address pressing issues plaguing their party and create a plan for its progress.
He observed that the term of office for the National Working Committee, under Bar. Julius Abure’s leadership, ended on June 10th, 2024 and urged all party stakeholders to unite in resolving any internal issues within the organization.
As far as the constitutional composition of the NWC is concerned, Governor Otti emphasized that the survival of the party takes precedence over any individual interests held by Labour Party Stakeholders.
Furthermore, Mr. Peter Obi, the National Leader of the party and Presidential Candidate in the upcoming 2023 general election asserted that their actions solely aim at adhering to legally established guidelines to salvage the party from imminent disintegration.
He observed that the Labour Party, which currently ranks as Nigeria’s third largest political party, has the capacity to shine brightly if efforts are channeled effectively. He encouraged all members of the party to lend their full support towards aiding success in fulfilling its duties by providing assistance to the caretaker Committee.
On behalf of the Caretaker Committee members, Senator Usman expressed gratitude to Mr. Peter Obi and other stakeholders for selecting them for this responsibility. He assured that they will prove their capabilities by fulfilling all expectations bestowed upon them.
The meeting’s key takeaways included the renewal of strong faith in Mr. Peter Obi, the party’s National Leader and a pledge to all members involved in legal cases against their own party – that they should withdraw for the betterment of it as a whole.
