Members of the State Working Committee of the Labour Party in Imo have rejected their suspension by the party’s embattled state chairman, Callistus Ihejiagwa.

The SWC members said this while addressing journalists in Owerri on Sunday.

Addressing journalists, the party’s legal adviser, Emeka Ihejirika, stated that “instead of addressing the serious allegations levelled against him, Mr Ihejiagwa hastily convened a meeting of loyalists to orchestrate a distraction from the core issues at hand.”

Thirteen members of the SWC had, last week, passed a Vote of No Confidence on Ihejiagwa, citing high-handed leadership, financial mismanagement, unconstitutional actions, and betrayal of the party.

On Saturday, Mr Ihejiagwa announced the suspension of the SWC members.

Mr Ihejirika, therefore, urged Ihejiagwa to address the allegations and avoid suspending members of the SWC to silence opposition within the party.

“He runs the party like a personal empire by sidelining key officials and making unilateral decisions without consultation, refusing to account for party funds and engaging in financial mismanagement,” said Mr Ihejirika.

He added, “LP stakeholders from Owerri zone have condemned Ihejiagwa’s actions, describing them as an abuse of power and a threat to the integrity of the party.

“At a zonal meeting attended by notable leaders of our great party, the leaders expressed outrage over Ihejiagwa’s leadership style, anti-party activities, and lack of financial transparency.

“Present at the meeting were Mr Mathew Nwogu, the member representing Aboh Mbaise/Ngor Okpala in the House of Representatives; Mr Clinton Amadi, the Member representing Owerri Municipal in the Imo State House of Assembly.”

Mr Ihejirika said that the zone called for a thorough review of Mr Ihejiagwa’s actions and financial dealings, stating that his leadership had become detrimental to the party’s growth in Imo.

They further mandated all those “ unconstitutionally removed by the chairman” to resume their rightful positions, emphasising that Mr Ihejiagwa’s unilateral actions had no constitutional backing.

(NAN)