Supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Labour Party (LP), have exchanged banters over the ‘take-over’ remarks by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu and the 2023 LP governorship candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour.....CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE FROM THE SOURCE
Kalu was quoted as saying that the APC would take over Abia State in 2027 a statement that elicited divergent comments, from Obi Aguocha, the Member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia-North/Umuahia-South Federal Constituency of Abia State and other Labour Party stalwarts.
Also, Rhodes-Vivour, during the Labour Party’s convention in Abia State, said the party would also take over Lagos State, a statement that also didn’t sit well with APC supporters.
But the President, Democratic Vanguard of Nigeria, Dr. Usman Haruna Gambo, in a statement yesterday, explained that the recent declaration by Rhodes-Vivour, had vindicated Kalu.
He said: “The Democratic Vanguard of Nigeria, an umbrella organisation of apolitical groups dedicated to upholding democratic principles in Nigeria, wishes to categorically state that the recent boastful comments by the 2023 governorship candidate of the Labour Party in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, that his party would ‘take over’ the state in 2027 has vindicated the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu,” the statement said.
“Ironically, Rhodes-Vivour made these remarks in Abia State, where Kalu had called for Governor Dr. Alex Otti to rejoin the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a move that was criticised by the Labour Party.
“The hypocrisy surrounding Rhodes-Vivour’s comments demonstrates the biased and sentimental approach of the Labour Party. It is concerning that the party criticised Kalu for suggesting Governor Otti would rejoin the APC, while applauding Rhodes-Vivour for his vow to take over power in Lagos in 2027. This highlights a lack of regard for the people, who ultimately hold the power to choose their leaders.
“Furthermore, we call on Obi Aguocha, the Member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia-North/Umuahia-South Federal Constituency of Abia State, as well as other Labour Party leaders and supporters, to reflect on their unjust criticism of Kalu and issue an apology to the deputy speaker if they have any integrity.”
