The leader of the Labour Party in Imo State, Senator Athan Achonu has debunked claims that the state chairman of the party, Callistus Ihejiagwa, has been removed from his position following a stakeholders’ meeting.
Achonu maintained that so far, no congress of the party has been held in Imo, as such, Callistus Ihejiagwa remains the duly recognized State Chairman of the Labour Party in Imo State.
A statement signed by the Director General, Senator Athan Achonu Campaign Organisation, Chime Nzeribe, said there was need to address and dispel the unnecessary speculations following the stakeholders’ meeting held in Umuahia, Abia State.
He said while the National Chairman, Julius Abure, continues with his legal battles, the party is hopeful for a peaceful resolution of all disputes, noting that the priority is to strengthen the party and not divide it.
The statement read; ”It has come to our attention that certain individuals are falsely claiming that the State Chairman, Callistus Ihejiagwa, has ceased to hold his position following the meeting. We categorically state that these claims are without merit. At no point during the stakeholders’ meeting, which Senator Achonu personally attended, was there any discussion regarding changes to the State Executive.
”The fact remains that no congress has been held and until such a congress takes place, Callistus Ihejiagwa remains the duly recognized State Chairman of the Labour Party in Imo State.
”As a key stakeholder, Barrister Abure must work with the Labour Party to ensure we emerge stronger and more united. No individual, including Barrister Abure, is greater than the Labour Party. Unity is essential, and our focus is on building an indomitable force capable of transforming both our state and nation.
”In Imo State, we face numerous internal and external challenges, however, it is important to note that such challenges are not unusual in a political setting. What matters is how we resolve them. As the Igbo adage goes, “It is only a dead man whose neck cannot be adjusted.” We must accommodate alternative voices, learn lessons and strive for peaceful resolutions to keep the party on a strong footing.
”Under Senator Achonu’s leadership, we will not allow the enemies of the Labour Party to prevail. Any attempts to destabilize our ranks will not succeed. We call on all members of the Labour Party in Imo State to remain resolute and committed to supporting the leadership of Callistus Ihejiagwa until a congress is held, and any changes are made through our democratic processes.
”For the Achonu campaign, the Abure-led national executive is like the shell of the body, while the stakeholders represent the soul—neither can exist without the other”.
Achonu advised that the Labour Party must find a way to unite and ensure a Nigeria that only the Labour Party can guarantee.