Politics
LP Crisis: Treasurer Accuses Abure Of N3bn Theft
Tensions have escalated within the opposition Labour Party’s National Working Committee (NWC) with crisis unfolding over alleged misappropriation of over N3 billion dedicated to the 2023 election campaigns.
Despite National Chairman Barr. Julius Abure’s dismissal of forgery claims and assertion of external sponsorship for internal disruption, National Treasurer Mrs. Oluchi Oprah has now come forward, accusing Abure of mishandling over N3 billion from the N3.5 billion raised for the critical 2023 election initiatives, adding a new layer of controversy within the party.
During a press conference in Abuja on Monday, Oluchi stated that under Abure’s leadership, a substantial amount exceeding N3.5 billion was generated through the sale of nomination forms for the upcoming 2023 general elections.
She said “However, apart from the proceeds of the sale of forms from his home state of Edo – which was diverted to Mr Abure’s private accounts, he only declared N55 million to me as Treasurer, of the over N3.5 billion raised, pocketing the rest for himself.
She reported that during off-cycle elections in various states last year, the party amassed approximately N958 million through a combination of nomination forms and donations.
She added, “These funds have completely vanished under Mr. Abure’s oversight – with zero paper trail.
“While on a fundraising tour in the United States in August 2023, Mr. Abure and his cronies raised hundreds of thousands of dollars from the party’s diaspora community.
“To date, he has not declared a single dollar to me or the NWC, essentially stealing donations meant for the party’s development. Indeed, not a single cent from donations received was ever paid into any of the party’s accounts.”
Expressing her concerns, she accused Abure of running the affairs of the Labour Party as his private estate.
With deep reluctance, she addressed the media, highlighting the significant financial mismanagement and corruption within the party under Abure’s leadership.
As the National Treasurer, she emphasized the failure of internal party mechanisms to hold Abure accountable for his alleged abuse of office and misappropriation of party funds.
She stated that Abure’s unchecked appetite for power has deliberately undermined her duties and authority outlined in the party’s constitution.
She said, “Since assuming office in 2021, Mr Abure has engaged in a series of actions that not only undermine the principles upon which the Labour Party was founded but also constitute grave violations of trust and fiduciary responsibility.
“His tenure has been marred by forgery, embezzlement, and corrupt enrichment, all at the expense of the party and its members. He has unilaterally depleted the party’s bank accounts, often through fraudulent means, including forging the signature of his predecessor and our late national chairman – Alhaji Abdulkadir Abdulsalam, immediately after his demise.
“One of the most alarming aspects of Mr Abure’s conduct is his repeated denial of my access to the party’s financial records and bank accounts. Despite my role as National Treasurer and custodian of all party funds, bank and accounting records, I have been systematically prohibited from fulfilling my duties, including accessing essential information and bank statements necessary for proper financial oversight.
“This deliberate obstruction not only hinders my ability to carry out my responsibilities but also raises serious questions about the chairman’s transparency and accountability.
“The chairman regularly syphones monies from the party accounts through unauthorised transfers to proxy individuals, including junior unsuspecting administrative staff at our national secretariat, as well as special purpose vehicles owned by himself and/or his wife and/or other family members.
“To conceal his financial crimes from the authorities, Mr. Abure doctored audit reports in 2023 and tried to bribe me severally – first with money, then a new car and even a new house, to ratify his hoax financial statements. I rejected his bribes and obstruction of my duties as Treasurer.
“Indeed, Labour Party remains the only major political party that has failed to submit an audit report of our financial activities for 2022 2023, to the Independent National Electoral Commission (“INEC”).
“Evidence suggests the chairman has sunk his loot into various choice properties in Nigeria and Europe. When he assumed office in 2021, Mr. Abure was practically destitute. His financial position essentially remained the same until 2022, following the entry of His Excellency Peter Obi into the Labour Party.
“Today, Mr. Abure owns multiple high-end real estate in Abuja, Benin, Uromi, and Italy, whose value runs into hundreds of millions, if not billions of naira. To the best of my knowledge, he did not own a single property prior to 2022 and lived in very squalid conditions.
Oluchi asserted that Abure’s alleged penchant for embezzlement and financial impropriety might have singularly compromised their prospects in both past and forthcoming elections.
She urged Mr. Abure to promptly furnish documentation accounting for the N3.5 billion garnered from form sales for the 2023 elections.
Additionally, she raised concerns about Edo State proceeds being redirected into private accounts, seeking clarification on this matter.
She said “Account for the N958 million raised from off-cycle elections in 2023. Provide paper trails and documentary evidence of adherence to due process.
“Declare every single dollar raised from the 2023 US fundraising tour and provide documentation on where donations were warehoused and how the same was appropriated.
“Explain the source of funds for properties bought in Nigeria and abroad between 2022 and 2023. Provide paper evidence.
“Allow me unfettered access to party accounts and records as National Treasurer,” she added.
The coming days promise a lot of intrigues in the Ondo State political circle with the former Governor, Segun Mimiko, set to play a big part.
Biztellers reports that delegates of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) on Wednesday, in Akure, chose Abass Mimiko as its candidate for the November 16 governorship election in the state.
It was gathered that Abass is Segun’s younger sibling.
He was reported to have been chosen through affirmation in the party’s primary election at its Secretariat.
On emergence, Mimiko assured that if elected governor of the state, his priorities would be education, health, economy, and security.
On if his older sibling would be supporting his ambition, with both of them being in different political parties, Abbas revealed that the former governor would be rooting for him to become Ondo’s next governor.
According to him, “My brother is happy that I am coming out because he knows I would build on his achievements.”
In a show of solidarity, the 37 chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) expressed support for the party’s national chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, despite reports of his suspension by his ward in Dawakin-Tofa local government area of Kano state.
The chairmen representing 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) conveyed their vote of confidence during a visit to Ganduje at the APC national secretariat in Abuja on Tuesday.
Acting chairman of the APC state Chairmen Forum and Lagos State chairman of the party, Cornelius Ojelabi, stated that those behind the purported suspension were not recognized by the party.
He said, “We are here to let you know that we are solidly behind you. The purported suspension is not from members of the party but coming from people that want to derail the party.
“We’re here to show our solidarity and sincere commitment to appreciate what members of the National Working Committee have been doing in standing by you by giving you a total support.
“We feel it’s important that the act of that solidarity should not be limited to members of the NWC alone.”
In his retort, Ganduje pointed fingers at Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, accusing him of orchestrating the purported suspension by impostors.
He derided the move as nothing more than a theatrical spectacle, likening it to scenes one might expect on Africa Magic’s Nollywood channel.
He said, “We were so astonished when we heard the news but we were not surprised when we discovered that the great threat that APC overwhelmingly poses to other parties is real and Kano State is not an exception.
“The government in Kano State is behind this drama. Even the drama is one kind of drama that is called Africa Magic. This is Africa Magic and it is not leading democracy anywhere.
“It is a negative innovation where members who belong to a different political party, not even our members, let alone being elected executive members of either the ward or to the highest level at the state.
He added “Our party cannot be distracted, we assure you. Our attention cannot be diverted. We are focused. We know where we are heading to. We know our objectives and we know to achieve our objectives.”
At the same time, the Ganduje-led National Working Committee of the APC has officially received the report of the party’s Ondo Governorship Committee, headed by Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
In a formal handover ceremony, Ganduje commended Governor Ododo for his exemplary leadership and acknowledged the committee’s diligent work.
He expressed pride in the governor’s successful execution of the party’s first national assignment under his stewardship.
Ganduje said “This is your first assignment and we are happy that you did well. I was in our Situation Room watching you live while you were declaring the results and I am proud of the way you handled it.”
In his earlier remarks, Governor Ododo expressed gratitude to the APC national leadership for entrusting him and his committee members with such a crucial national assignment.
He highlighted that the committee’s report meticulously documented all events surrounding the primary election, offering comprehensive recommendations to address the aftermath.
Governor Ododo emphasized the importance of these recommendations in fostering party unity and preparing the APC for success in the upcoming November governorship election in Ondo State.
In a display of legislative power, the Rivers State House of Assembly has overridden Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s veto to pass the Rivers State Local Government (Amendment) Bill into law.
Despite the governor’s initial refusal to assent to the bill on March 13, 2024, the assembly stood firm in its resolve, led by Majority Leader Hon. Major Jack, to fulfill its constitutional duties.
Following the procedures outlined in Section 100(5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, the Rivers State House of Assembly exercised its authority to override Gov Fubara’s veto by a two-thirds majority vote.
Speaker Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule facilitated the decisive moment, paving the way for the enactment of the bill into law.
In a separate development, the House undertook the screening and confirmation of nominees for key positions within the Assembly Service Commission.
The confirmed nominees include Barr. Sampson Worlu as Chairman, along with Hon. Abinye Blessing Pepple, Mrs. Blessing Belema Derefaka, Mr. Gbaranen Robinson, and Madam Dorcas Amos as members.
On March 22, 2024, the Rivers State House of Assembly passed the Rivers State Assembly Service Commission (Amendment) Bill into law, granting itself the authority to appoint the Chairman and Members of the Assembly Service Commission.
This legislative action marked a significant shift in the appointment process for key positions within the commission.
On a somber note, Speaker Rt. Hon. Amaewhule sadly announced the passing of Mr. Lucky Amadi, the husband of Hon. Emilia Lucky Amadi, the honorable Member for Obio/Akpor Constituency II.
In a gesture of solidarity and support, Members expressed their condolences and announced plans to pay a visit to their grieving colleague, reflecting the assembly’s sense of camaraderie and compassion during times of loss.
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