NLC Throws Support Behind Wellington as Labour Party Leader in Rivers Amid Leadership Crisis

Table of Contents

• Support Declaration
• Remarks by Agwanwor
• Remarks by Wellington
• Future Plans

The Rivers State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has officially expressed its support for the Interim State Working Committee of the Labour Party in Rivers State, headed by Gogo Wellington.

This endorsement was made by the Rivers State Chairman of the NLC, Comrade Alex Agwanwor, during a courtesy visit from the Labour Party’s Interim Executives to the NLC Secretariat in Port Harcourt on Friday.

Agwanwor clearly stated that the Interim State Working Committee led by Wellington is the only recognized leadership of the Labour Party in Rivers State, emphasizing that no other group can rightfully claim the party’s executive structure in the state.

“There are individuals attempting to undermine your efforts, but do not be distracted. Stay focused on your mandate and don’t give up,” he urged.

“The law that established the state working committee is quite clear. Therefore, no one else can claim the Labour Party in Rivers State except for you,” he added.

“You should be confident in your roles, knowing that you are the rightful leaders of the Labour Party in Rivers State. We will provide you with our full support,” he affirmed.

In his comments, the Chairman of the Interim State Working Committee of the Labour Party, Gogo Wellington, explained that the purpose of the visit was to strengthen ties and foster collaboration with the NLC as a vital stakeholder in the party.

He highlighted that the Labour Party is an essential component of the labour movement and is dedicated to promoting the vision and ideals upon which it was established.

Wellington remarked, “I have often wondered why there has been such a disconnect between the Labour Party and the NLC.”

“The NLC is a crucial part of the Labour Party, and the party should not function without a strong and effective working relationship with the Nigeria Labour Congress,” he stated.

“If such structures are adequately established, I believe the Labour Party will thrive in terms of support and grassroots engagement.”

“We know that the NLC is well-established in all 23 LGAs, so if we integrate properly, I am confident that the vision, ideology, and drive of the Labour Party will resonate effectively.”

Wellington further assured the NLC in the state of a robust and cooperative relationship with the party’s new executive committee.

He mentioned that the party is working on restructuring and developing its frameworks from the state level down to Local Government Areas (LGAs) and wards.

Wellington stressed that the NLC, Trade Union Congress (TUC), and other partner organizations will be actively involved in this process.

He added that the party aims to incorporate all relevant labor bodies to ensure that the formation of these structures is both efficient and effective.

“We felt it was essential to meet with you as the Chairman of the NLC in Rivers State to assure you of a positive and productive working relationship with this executive committee in the Labour Party,” he concluded.

“We believe this will lead to positive outcomes because we are currently moving towards restructuring the party and forming its structures from the state to the LGAs and ward levels, with the NLC and TUC being integral to this process.”

“All partner organizations associated with the NLC, TUC, or Labour Party will be integrated to ensure that the formation of these structures is effective,” he added.