By Milcah Tanimu
In a significant move, the National Working Committee of the Labour Party has imposed a six-month suspension on its National Treasurer, Oluchi Opara.
The decision was unveiled during a press briefing held on Wednesday at the party’s headquarters in Abuja.
Opara had stirred controversy earlier in the week by publicly challenging LP’s National Chairman, Julius Abure, demanding accountability for an alleged sum of N3.5 billion generated from the sale of nomination forms and fundraising efforts leading up to the 2023 general elections.
During an appearance on Arise TV’s ‘Good Morning Show’ on Tuesday, Opara reiterated her claims, suggesting collusion between the Abure-led NWC and the opposition-controlled Edo State Government, which belongs to the Peoples Democratic Party.
Responding to these accusations on Wednesday, LP’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, labeled Opara as a saboteur influenced by dissenting factions within the party.
Ifoh informed the press that the decision to penalize her was made following her failure to attend a meeting summoned by the party’s NWC to address the conflict.
He stated, “Following the 2023 general elections, the Labour Party faced severe backlash from the establishment for challenging the existing political order. However, it became apparent late last year that our National Treasurer, Ms. Oluchi Opara, a prominent executive member, was collaborating with expelled party members and acting as an informant.”
“In an effort to ensure due process, the NWC extended an invitation to her to discuss the matter today, February 14, at 10 a.m. Unfortunately, she declined to attend, disregarding the party’s leadership and the interests of our numerous members,” Ifoh added.
“The disciplinary committee has consequently recommended to the National Executive Council, through the NWC, that Ms. Oluchi Opara be suspended from the Labour Party for a minimum of six months, effective immediately,” he declared.
While expressing regret over the situation, LP urged its members to view this as a necessary step toward enhancing the party’s integrity and advancing its agenda for a better Nigeria.
Efforts to reach Opara for comment on her suspension were unsuccessful as her phone remained unreachable at the time of reporting.