Fmr NLC Boss, Ushie, Takes Over As C'River LP Chairman, Urges Members to Brace Up For Pending LG Polls
Judex OKORO
The newly-inaugurated Cross River State chairman of Labour Party (LP), Dr. John Ushie, has called on members to brace up for the pending local government elections, saying it is time for new approach to leadership.
Ushie, who spoke at the inauguration of the new caretaker Committee leadership held in Calabar on Wednesday, stated that the tenure of past Exco led by Ogar Osim has expired, promising to "foster new horizons and provide needed alternative for social democracy, equity, justice and tranquility."
Maintaining that hope isn't lost, the former NLC chairman said: " We can together begin to win elections without selling out the mandate of the people who have entrusted their destinies in our hands.
"There is a need of urgency to reposition the LP at all levels. Hence, the system as it were, was plagued with inefficiency, naivety, parochial religion denominational sentiments and fear to date innovations.
"It's time for new approach, one that priorities the needs of the many over the interests of the law. Our vision is built on the understanding that political parties should serve the people, not special interest and greed.
"The new leadership will be committed to the principles of democracy, social justice, equity and progress in strengthening our party ethos to addressing inequality, protection of human rights and gender equality to foster unity, diversity, celebrate our collective achievements by promoting inclusivity in the party and bridge the gaps that have divide us.
"We will work to create more transparent, accountable, responsive and responsible executive at all levels and to active vision, we need the support of all stakeholders and party faithful."
On the pending local government election, Ushie said: "I call on all stakeholders to avail themselves of the opportunity as it concerns the upcoming council election to sponsor viable candidates to participate for chairmanship and councilorship because LP will participate to win, as the last election was an eye-opener."
He, therefore called on the past Exco leadership led by Ogar Osim, to desist from some antics that can derail the new movement and give peace a chance.
Speaking, Hon. Nkoyo Otu, The Special Adviser to Governor on Inter-Party Affairs, and new Treasurer of Labour Party, said: "I am here because i believe in doing the right thing and to ensures that justice is done and seem to have been done.
"I was the woman leader and when I was appointed by Governor Bassey Otu as Special Adviser, I was suspended after all entreaties failed.
"All Ogar Osim knows is suspension. So, the new caretaker committee is a big relief to the party and nobody can stop it because the tenure of Ogar Osim has come to an end "
Also speaking, Ntete Bassey-Duke, a chieftain from Akpabuyo, urged the party to move forward by devoting more energy on how to rebuild the party at various chapters and wards' levels rather than dissipating energy on past leadership whose tenure has expired, adding that "time has come has come to take the bull by the horns."
On his part, Emmanuel Etene, from Bakassi, said the new caretaker has come to stay, and will mobilise the community to queue behind LP.
Chief Boy Aide from Obudu, said they are hungry to move LP forward as that is the only credible opposition that can lift Nigeria out of her present socio-economic and political woe.
