Labour Party Chairman, Julius Abure, has issued a statement following the Federal High Court’s ruling affirming his leadership.
Abure expressed gratitude and forgiveness, calling the victory “a triumph for justice and democracy.”
“This victory is not just mine, but a victory for justice and democracy,” he said.
According to Abure, he will forgive those who attempted to undermine the party and engaged in character assassination.
He extended appreciation to the judiciary, particularly Justice Emeka Nwite, for upholding justice.
Abure urged Peter Obi, the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, to help unite the party.
The Labour Party chairman emphasized the party’s commitment to fighting for the common man and Nigeria’s betterment. “With collective efforts, we will continue to work for a Labour Party that truly represents the hopes and aspirations of every Nigerian,” he said.
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday declared Abure as the substantive Chairman of the Labour Party.
The judgement was pronounced by Justice Emeka Nwite on Tuesday, affirming the Abure-led leadership and the March 2024 Nnewi convention that produced the national leadership.
The court ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to recognize Abure as the legitimate chairman, overriding INEC’s earlier stance that Abure’s leadership was invalid.
The full statement reads:
STATEMENT FROM THE LABOUR PARTY
A New Dawn for Labour Party : Victory, Forgiveness and Unity.
It is with immense gratitude and a heart full of forgiveness that I issue this statement following our significant victory at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The Court, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite, has reaffirmed our leadership by upholding the outcome of the Labour Party convention held in Nnewi, Anambra State and consequently compelled INEC to give due recognition to the leadership of Barr. Julius Abure.
This victory is not just mine, but a victory for justice and democracy. It confirms that the rule of law prevails and that our party’s leadership remains legitimate. For this, I must first and foremost thank Almighty God for guiding us through this challenging period.
I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the judiciary, particularly Justice Emeka Nwite, for his courage and integrity in delivering a judgment that upheld justice and resisted external pressures. His well-articulated
judgement has restored our faith in the judiciary and given us hope for democracy in Nigeria.
I must also appreciate Justice Omotosho of the Federal High Court, who had earlier validated the Labour Party’s convention held in Nnewi. His judgment became the foundation for other rulings, reflecting the strength and fairness of our judicial system.
Additionally, Justice C. K. Nwankwo of the Abia High Court also deserves recognition for resisting pressure and avoiding granting a kangaroo interim and interlocutory orders against me and the party. Some individuals, whose names I choose not to mention, attempted to secure these orders, but failed. These judges have set an admirable precedent for upholding justice in the face of adversity and huge inducement.
They sought to restrain us, as National Executive Committee members of the party, from even speaking to the press. Thankfully, the courts technically avoided granting such orders and justice prevailed.
Now that the court has spoken, I offer my forgiveness to those who attempted to undermine our party, engaged in character assassination and blackmail especially of my person.
However, in line with the teachings of Jesus Christ, I say, “I forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.” Forgiveness must be accompanied by repentance and restitution.
It is my sincere hope that those involved in these actions will reflect on their mistakes, come forward with a repentant heart, and reconcile themselves with the party. In doing so, they should also consider restitution for the damages they have caused us. Only then can we truly move forward, heal our party, and work for the common good of Nigeria.
Be that as it may, I call on Peter Obi, the former Presidential candidate of our party to help unite the party.
This judgment marks the beginning of a new era for the Labour Party in Nigeria. There is no question that the party will need restructuring and healing, but I assure you that our doors are open to all. In the coming days, we will focus on rebuilding our structures, reconnecting with our grassroots, and uniting our members. We will heal old wounds and emerge stronger than ever before. With the collective efforts of all members, we will continue to fight for the interests of the common man and the betterment of Nigeria.
I must also say clearly that I give kudos to and appreciate the judiciary for the work done so far. Their role in ensuring that justice prevails in the Labour Party leadership crisis has been invaluable.
Finally, I would like to acknowledge and deeply appreciate the steadfastness of our members, supporters, and well-wishers who stood by the party during these trying times. Your unwavering belief in our cause has brought us to this moment, and together we will continue to work for a Labour Party that truly represents the hopes and aspirations of every Nigerian.
In closing, let this victory be the foundation upon which we shall build a stronger Labour Party, united in purpose and driven by the desire to serve the people of Nigeria. I also want to thank the judiciary once again for standing firm in the face of challenges, thereby renewing our faith in democracy and the future of Nigeria.
Thank you, and may God bless the Labour Party and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
SIGN:
Barrister Julius Abure
National Chairman, Labour Party