In a deepening crisis for the Labour Party, the embattled National Treasurer, Ms. Oluchi Oparah, has taken legal action against the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).
Suspended for six months by NWC leader Comrade Julius Abure, Oparah seeks to compel the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate Abure and scrutinise the party’s financial records.
Filed on February 15, 2024, Oparah’s court action challenges her suspension, claiming a lack of fair hearing.
The Originating Summons, filed by her lawyer Emeka Etiaba, SAN, questions whether the EFCC is obligated to investigate forgery.
Oparah alleges serious financial improprieties by Abure, accusing him of forging the late Alhaji Abdulkadir Abdulsalam’s signature to withdraw funds after his death.
The petition further claims financial recklessness, embezzlement, and lack of accountability during Abure’s tenure.
Among the allegations is the diversion of funds raised from nomination forms and donations for various elections.
Oparah contends that Abure failed to account for a significant portion of the funds, raising concerns about financial transparency within the party.
The petition also highlights Abure’s alleged attempts to undermine Oparah’s role as National Treasurer, denying her access to party accounts and records.
Oparah alleges inducements and bribery attempts when she challenged the financial discrepancies.
Adding another layer to the controversy, former Acting National Chairman Maria Labaka denies signing certain cheques during the period when substantial funds were withdrawn from the party’s account.
Labaka accuses Abure of forging her signature as national chairman.
Oparah’s plea to the court includes the request to quash her suspension, citing a lack of due process.
The crisis within the Labour Party deepens as allegations of financial mismanagement and forgery take center stage.
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