Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has welcomed the Federal High Court judgment in Abuja directing the Independent National Electoral Commission to recognise the Senator Nenadi Usman-led caretaker committee, describing the ruling as a turning point for peace and unity within the Labour Party.
Reacting to the decision delivered on Wednesday, Otti congratulated the National Caretaker Committee chaired by Usman, with Senator Darlington Nwokocha as secretary, as well as members of the committee and the wider party.
In a statement issued on Friday, January 23, by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, he described the judgment as “both heartwarming and timely,” saying “the victory would herald a new dawn of order, peace and unity in the party.”
The governor said, “This victory is both heartwarming and timely as it provides us with the opportunity of ensuring that peace, order and unity return to the party, while ensuring reorganisation and rejuvenation of the party to become not just a truly democratic platform that meets the high expectations of its members, but a formidable political party poised to achieve electoral victories and deliver good governance at all levels.”
Otti urged the new leadership to treat the court victory as “an opportunity to rejig the party and ensure purposeful and inclusive leadership committed to peace, unity and justice, in line with the constitution and ideals of the party.”
READ ALSO: Abure Vows Appeal After Court Recognises Nenadi Usman as LP Chair
He also appealed to individuals behind what he called “frivolous litigations” against the party to sheathe their swords and respect the judgment of the Federal High Court, which he noted was consistent with an earlier Supreme Court ruling.
According to him, such individuals would enjoy “forgiveness and proper reintegration” if they were willing to embrace party discipline and unity.
The governor thanked the judiciary for what he described as a “sound judgment” and appreciated supporters of democracy who stood by the party during difficult times, pledging his continued commitment to actions that would strengthen democracy and promote peace and order in Nigeria.
Similarly, the Abia State Chairman of the Labour Party, Emmanuel Otti, expressed excitement over the ruling, saying “the judiciary has restored the trust people have in it.”
He stated that the faction led by Julius Abure would be disappointed if it chose to approach the Court of Appeal, insisting the ruling would endure, adding that, “they are just wasting their time.”