The Edo State chapter of the Labour Party (LP) has strongly condemned the alleged assault on its National Chairman, Barr. Julius Abure, at both the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, and the Benin Airport on Saturday.
Speaking at a press conference in Benin City on Monday, the Edo State LP Chairperson and former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Elizabeth Ativie, described the incident as a “coordinated attack” orchestrated by political detractors.
“At the weekend, our National Chairman, Barrister Julius Abure, was physically attacked by a lady believed to be working for those bent on discrediting our party. It has therefore become necessary for us to not only condemn this shameful act but also to set the record straight on the spurious allegations she made against our Chairman and our great party,” Ativie stated.
According to reports, the assailant — identified as Ms. Precious Oruche, popularly known as ‘Mama P’ — accosted Abure while he was in a queue on the tarmac of the Abuja airport, boarding a Max Air flight to Benin. Witnesses say she continued the harassment throughout the flight despite repeated interventions by flight attendants.
Upon arrival in Benin, Oruche allegedly intensified the assault, drawing the attention of travellers and onlookers in what Ativie described as a deliberate attempt to “humiliate and embarrass” the Labour Party leader. Videos of the incident were subsequently uploaded on her social media platforms.
“While assaulting our National Chairman, she also made unfounded allegations against him and the leadership of our party. This is clearly character assassination and a calculated effort to tarnish our image,” Ativie said.
The Edo LP Chair vowed that the party would not bow to intimidation, insisting that those behind the attack would be unmasked. She further disclosed that the party would pursue legal action against Oruche.
“Character assassination, physical assault, and cyber-bullying are serious crimes. We urge the police and security agencies to investigate, identify her sponsors and collaborators, and ensure they face the full weight of the law,” she declared.
Ativie emphasized that Nigeria’s democracy must be defended from acts designed to undermine it, stressing that the Labour Party would continue to resist any attempt to drag its leaders or members into ridicule.
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