National Telescope national telescope newspaper
Embattled Chairman of the Labour Party, Mr Julius Abure has denied allegation of receiving bribe of N500 million from Senator Godswill Akpabio, an aspirant for the seat of the President of the Senate.
The Apapa Lamidi-led faction of the party had alleged that Abure received the sum to endorse Akpabio for Senate President.
Addressing Journalists at the party’s secretariat, in Abuja on Thursday, Abure described the Allegation as false.
He also debunked allegations that he mobilsed people to attack attack Lamidi and team at the Presidential Ellection Tribunal on Wednesday, stating that it was solely the handiwork of Nigerians who were unhappy about his (Lamidi) actions against LP.
“An opposition political party says it is coming to visit you, it is that you listen to what they are coming to say. And so we obliged them the opportunity to solicit our support but we made it abundantly clear that the responsibility to appoint Senate President is that of the legislature and I want to make it very clear that no money was given.”
Abure who also resumed officially with three other suspended officials of the Party, disclosed that the party had appealed the FCT High Court’s decision to suspend him, the party’s secretary, Farouk Ibrahim, and two other individuals from serving as the party’s national officials.
“A cursory look at the originating summons which is pending before the High Court of the FCT, Apapa and his cohorts asking that court upon granting their reliefs in the final judgement to direct the NEC to appoint interim National officers for the party.
Out of desperation they are not patient enough to wait for the outcome of the final judgment but employed self-help and appoint themselves as National Officers of the Party.
“However, our objection to the court jurisdiction was overruled by Justice J. Muazu of FCT High Court on the 12th of May. On the same day, we filled a Notice of Appeal. Then on Wednesday 17th May, the Appeal was entered at the Court of Appeal No. CA/ABJ/CV/559/2023. Also we have filled our Appellant Brief of Argument which has been served on the trail courts.
“By necessary implication the FCT High Court in Maitama ceases to have jurisdiction over the matter. The matter is now on the course list of the Court of Appeal. So, what the High Court judge is expected to do is to adjourn the matter sine-die.
It is worthy of note that in 2021 in Suleiman V. APC reported in NWLR (2023) 5 NWLR 211-416 Supreme Court same Justice Muazu wrongly assumed jurisdiction. His decision jettison by the Court of Appeal and the Supreme. This report was communicated but surprisingly he went ahead to assume jurisdiction.
“However, having appealed and file a motion for stay which has been served on the judge, I and my colleagues have now fully assumed our constitutional responsibilities as National Officers of the Party
