The Labour Party has welcomed a Court of Appeal judgement affirming that only its recognised national leadership can authorise litigation in the party’s name. The party disclosed this in a statement issued and signed by the party’s spokesman, Ken Asogwa, in Abuja.

Mr Asogwa said the judgement, delivered on Thursday in Owerri, reinforced the legal position on authority to institute or maintain court actions.

He said the appeal arose from a pre-election dispute after an appeal was allegedly filed without the approval of Nenadi Usman’s recognised leadership.

According to him, the national legal adviser, Taiwo Ajayi, instructed counsel C. Okoroafor to withdraw the appeal on behalf of the party.

He said two lawyers appeared before the appellate court, each claiming to represent the Labour Party in the matter.

Mr Asogwa added that the court directed both counsel to produce documentary evidence establishing their authority to act for their respective parties.

According to him, one counsel relied on a letter from C.K. Igara, while the other presented authority from the national legal adviser.

Mr Asogwa said the court accepted the authority issued by the national legal adviser as the valid authorisation to represent the Labour Party.

He also said that the opposing counsel subsequently withdrew her appearance and counter-affidavit, after which the court dismissed the appeal and awarded N100,000 costs.

Mr Asogwa said the judgement reaffirmed Mr Usman’s leadership as the authentic national leadership authorised to act for the party in legal matters.

He added that the party would continue to challenge attempts by unauthorised persons to institute or defend legal proceedings in the party’s name.

He, however, reaffirmed the party’s commitment to the rule of law, the constitutional order, internal discipline, judicial pronouncements, and the protection of its institutional integrity.

(NAN)