The Enugu State chapter of the Labour Party has been thrown into crisis as the State Working Committee (SWC) and Local Government Chairmen have suspended the state chairman, Barr. Casmir Uchenna Agbo, following a vote of no confidence in his leadership.
In a communiqué issued at the end of their meeting in Enugu, party leaders accused Agbo of insubordination, attacks on the party’s national leader, alleged bribery, and unilateral replacement of elected party executives without due process.
Signed by 14 out of 17 local government chairmen, zonal chairmen, and other party executives, the communiqué announced the appointment of Chief Kingsley Chideraa Ugwu as the acting chairman, pending the party’s next congress.
Reasons for Suspension
The party outlined several reasons for Agbo’s suspension, including:
- Failure to uphold party values – Allegations of mismanagement and actions contrary to the party’s principles.
- Loss of confidence in his leadership – Members believe he can no longer effectively guide the party.
- Attacks on the party’s national leader – Accused of making acerbic and vitriolic remarks against Mr. Peter Obi.
- Marginalization of elected members and stakeholders – Alleged sidelining of key party figures.
- Autocratic leadership – Accused of running the party like a private enterprise, making unilateral decisions.
- Alleged bribery – Accused of demanding and receiving bribes from party candidates during the last local government elections.
- Unauthorized removal of party executives – Allegedly replaced party leaders at ward, local government, and state levels without following the party’s constitution.
Party’s Position on the Suspension
Describing the decision as difficult but necessary, the party leaders emphasized that it was crucial to restore the party’s integrity and strengthen its internal democracy. They assured members that the party remains committed to its core mission and values.
“We will now begin the process of selecting a new chairman who shares our vision and values,” the communiqué read.
The motion for Agbo’s suspension was moved by Hon. Chinweuba Ngwu (Enugu South) and seconded by Mazi Augustine Umezuluike (Ezeagu LGA). Following this, Chief Kingsley Chideraa Ugwu was appointed as the acting chairman.
Signatories to the Communiqué
The communiqué was signed by the following party leaders:
- Chief Kingsley Chideraa Ugwu
- Dr. Maurice Ede
- Chief Agama Emmanuel
- Barr. Titus Onuora Odo
- Chief Obiigede Emmanuel Agama
- Hon. Chinweike Ngwu
- Mazi Augustine Umezuluike
- Ugwu Basil
- Chief Chinweike Nwodo
- Ifesinachi Kenneth Williams
- Ozioko Anthony
- Engr. Uchenna Anyanwu
- Pst. Mezie Iziga
- Hon. Nwafido Aoaron
- Hon. Daniel Odo
- Chief S.O. Nomeh
- Hon. Egbo Ikechukwu
Awaiting Agbo’s Response
As of the time of this report, Barr. Casmir Agbo has not responded to requests for comments regarding his suspension.
