The Enugu State chapter of the Labour Party is facing a major internal crisis as the State Working Committee and local government chairmen have suspended the state party chairman, Barr. Casmir Agbo.
The suspension follows a vote of no confidence passed against him by the party leaders, citing allegations of misconduct and poor leadership.
In a communique released at the end of their meeting in Enugu, party leaders accused Agbo of insubordination, attacks on the party’s national leader, alleged bribery, and the unlawful replacement of elected party leaders without due process.
Signed by 14 out of the 17 local government chairmen, zonal chairmen, and other party executives, the communique also announced the appointment of Chief Kingsley Chideraa Ugwu to lead the party in an acting capacity until a congress is held.
“The Enugu State Labour Party has taken a significant step in holding its leadership accountable by passing a vote of no confidence in the State Labour Party Chairman, Barr. Casmir Uchenna Agbo. This unanimous decision taken by the State Working Committee and Local Government Party Chairmen reflects the party’s commitment to upholding its values and principles.”
Listing the reasons for Agbo’s suspension, the communique stated:
- “Serious concerns regarding Barr. Casmir’s handling of recent activities or failure to uphold the party’s mission and values.”
- “The organization’s members have lost confidence in Casmir’s ability to effectively guide the party forward.”
- “Insubordination, acerbic, vitriolic attacks, and abuse of the personality of our national leader, Mr. Gregory Peter Obi.”
- “Non-recognition and sidelining of the party’s elected members and other stakeholders.”
- “It’s established that Barr. Casmir Uchenna Agbo runs the party like his private enterprise by taking unilateral decisions.”
- “It’s on record that Barr. Casmir Uchenna Agbo demanded and took bribes from our party candidates during the recently concluded local government elections.”
- “It’s also on record that Barr. Casmir Uchenna Agbo removed and replaced party executives at the ward, local government, and state levels without recourse to the party’s constitution and with scant regard for the opinions of party stakeholders.”
The party leaders emphasized that the decision to suspend Agbo was taken “with a heavy heart, but we believe it is necessary to ensure the party’s continued success and integrity.”
They assured members that efforts would be made to reposition the party and maintain its core values.
“We will now begin the process of selecting a new chairman who shares our vision and values in an acting capacity. The party remains committed to its mission and values and is confident that this decision will ultimately strengthen, rejig, and recalibrate the party. We appreciate the support of our members and stakeholders during this transition period.”
The communique further stated: “It’s on the strength of the foregoing developments that we recommend that Barr. Casmir Uchenna Agbo be suspended forthwith. Drawing strength from the above recommendation by the State and Local Government Executives, the motion for his suspension was moved by Hon. Chinweuba Ngwu of Enugu South and dutifully seconded by Mazi Augustine Umezuluike (Mason) of Ezeagu Local Government Area.”
As a result, Chief Kingsley Chideraa Ugwu was appointed as acting chairman until the party conducts a congress to elect a new leadership. “The motion for the nomination of the acting chairman was moved by Hon. Chinweuba Ngwu and seconded by Mazi Augustine Umezuluike.”
The communique 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
At the time of filing this report, Barr. Casmir Agbo has yet to respond to SMS inquiries regarding the suspension.
