The Labour Party, LP, has warned federal lawmakers, especially members of the House of Representatives, elected on its platform, to respect the party’s supremacy or face disciplinary action.
The party issued the warning in a statement released on Monday by Obiora Ifoh, its National Publicity Secretary.
The statement said that the lawmakers have failed to be true ambassadors of the people and the Labour Party, considering the sacrifices made by Nigerians in electing them.
Ifoh specifically said that the attention of the leadership of the party has been drawn to a statement made by the LP’s caucus leader in the House of Representatives, Hon Afam Ogene, saying it is unconventional to conduct convention before state, local government and ward congresses.
The spokesman said Ogene lacks knowledge as it relates to provisions of the constitution of the party under which he was elected.
According to him, Ogene should not mistake the constitutions of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and All Progressives Congress, APC, with that of the Labour Party.
Ifoh expressed shock that members of the House of Representatives elected under the party are always quick to rush to the media whenever major decisions are taken.
He said the lawmakers have never risen to the occasion as members of the Labour Party in the house, who are supposed to be the voice of the people and speak truth to power, in spite of the numerous challenges the country is going through.
“It appears that they seat (sic) at the national assembly for theirselves alone. It is obvious that it is only when it concerns the party that they flex muscles. They need not be told of the persecution the party leadership has been undergoing in the hands of the government in power as a result of their election into offices and yet, they have no qualms in bringing the party to opprobrium at any given opportunity.
“We therefore advice our lawmakers to desist from rushing to the press on party matters. Party internal matters must remain and kept internal matters. The party will not hesitate to discipline any party member who will not respect the supremacy of the party. The party is prepared to defend its ideology and constitution at all times irrespective of whose ox is gored,” parts of the statement read.
