By Ifeanyichukwu Ibe

Chief CNC Awobue (JP), a United States of America based Labour Party, LP, chieftain has called on the people of Imo State and Nigerians in general to embrace the party fully as the best way to escape the present economic and security challenges facing the country. He noted that this had become necessary as the LP prides itself as a party with good candidates who have all it takes to transform the country as well as people-oriented programmes and ideology.

The Otulu, Oru West born politician was addressing newsmen at the stakeholders' meeting of the Imo State Chapter of the LP recently, adding that the party represented the solution to the yearnings of Nigerians for good leadership that would change the ugly narratives concerning the socio-political, economic and security situations in the country. He continued saying that the 2023 presidential election was a turnaround in the country, as the LP Presidential Candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, awakened the consciousness of Nigerians from all parts on the need to salvage the country.

Honourable Awobue, who also addressed the stakeholders' meeting as the representative of the Orlu Zone of the party, said that the it was time to make the party more formidable to be better prepared for future elections in order to form government of the people at different levels. According to him, the strong performance of the party during the 2023 elections, though without better preparations, indicated the wide acceptance of its candidates and the massage of hope the party presented. 

The astute politician further emphasized the need to reposition the party, positing: "Many know that Labour Party is the hope of Nigerians for rescue. Interestingly, our presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi moved the party to a different level. It was a very short period of time, yet the party received tremendous support from Nigerians across the regions. Mr. Obi actually awakened the lions in Nigerians with the last presidential election in the country. It was amazing that Nigerians irrespective of tribe came to speak with one mind on their choice for a leader. I must say that our party tried in raising the awareness for what is the best for the country.

"There is one thing you learn about politics. If you do not start early, you cannot finish well. We know that so many people wanted Labour Party to win 2023 elections, but the grassroot in any organization is very important. So many people were moved by our party, but we were not well prepared and positioned. One thing I know in politics is that party or no party it is about the people. We cannot do business that we do not care about our lineage. So, the stakeholders' meeting is good for the Labour Party in Imo State and indeed the party would experience similar thing across the nation."

Furthermore, Chief Awobue, bemoaned situations where some leaders perform poorly without justifying the public trust with good legacies. According to him, the essence of leadership was to promote and protect the welfare of the people, adding with this in mind, persons in positions of authority should strive to perform well and be remembered for good, he averred, urging participants at the event to close ranks in achieving the goals of the party in the state and country.

Meanwhile, LP National Chairman, Barrister Julius Abure, who led other national officers of the party to the event, urged the stakeholders to always put the interest of the party first in their actions and to avoid anything that would affect the peace, unity and progress of the party in the state. He reminded them on the need to respect the Constitution, values and the leadership of the party always, while promising fairness, protection and equal opportunities for all the members. While the Imo State Chairman of the party, Barrister Calistus Ihejiagwa, disclosed among other things plan by the state chapter to embark on membership revalidation and new registrations.

The event attracted November 11th LP governorship candidate, Senator Athan Achonu, Honourable Mathew Nwaogu representing Aboh Mbaise/ Ngor Okpala Federal Constituency; Honourable Clinton Amadi (Owerri Municipal State Constituency) and the National Youth Leader of the party, Prince Kennedy Ahanotu among other dignitaries. Meanwhile, a remarkable outcome of the stakeholders' meeting was the call by participants for the conduct of ward and local government congresses for the party in the state.