By Raphael Okhiria
The leadership of the Labour Party (LP) in Edo state, has dissociated itself and members from the alleged recent manhandling of one Anslem Eragbe, in Benin City, Edo state.
A press statement signed by Comrade Sam Uroupa, the Publicity Secretary and Image Maker of the state branch of LP, states: “the attention of the Edo State Labour Party (LP) has been drawn to a video circulating in sections of the media where the former National Youth Leader and others who have been long expelled from the party were beaten and manhandled by group of persons in Benin City, the Edo State capital.
“One Mr. Abayomi Arabambi alleged that the Edo State LP members led by the State Publicity Secretary, Comr. Sam Uroupa were responsible, and also fingered an aspirant, Barr. Olumide Osaigbovo Akpata alongside.
“We wish to categorically state that the Edo State LP as led by its Chairman, distinguished Comr. Kelly Ogbaloi were not responsible and know nothing about the attack as they are law abiding citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who will not indulge in any act of violence.
“Barr. Olumide Osaigbovo Akpata and any other aspirants going for the Edo 2024 governorship race have no business with any leadership tussle of the party hierarchy, hence were never involved in the said attack.
“On the issue of factional leadership in LP as claimed by Mr. Abayomi, we in Edo have long passed that stage of who is the authentic and fake faction. This is because the Supreme Court has graciously laid that to rest that Barr. (Dr.) Julius Abure is the authentic National Chairman of the Party.
“The former National Youth Leader and his cohorts were deeply financed by the APC as moles to destabilize LP. Since they couldn’t deliver, they must have also sent persons to come and collect their money back.
“Therefore, associating his ordeal to Edo State LP members is completely false and baseless.”
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