Labour Party’s National Chairman, Comrade Julius Abure, has leveled serious accusations against the Joe Ajaero-led Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and its cohorts, alleging the misappropriation of funds earmarked for staff salaries during their recent intrusion into the party’s national secretariat.

In his first public address following the incident, Abure condemned the actions of the labour leaders, labeling them as shameful and displaying sheer rascality. Speaking through the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, Abure emphasized the unlawful nature of the NLC’s siege on the secretariat, which resulted in property damage and the alleged theft of significant sums intended for official purposes.

Describing the incident as regrettable and unacceptable, Abure stressed that no entity, including the NLC under Joe Ajaero’s leadership, is above the law. He lamented the destruction of property and the apparent misappropriation of funds, expressing concern that such actions could undermine the achievements made by the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections.

Responding to Abure’s claims, Acting Chairman of NLC’s Political Commission, Professor Theophilus Udubuaku, dismissed the allegations as baseless and accused Abure of selective memory. Udubuaku highlighted the circumstances surrounding the NLC’s intervention, asserting that their actions were necessary to address issues within the party.

Udubuaku challenged the credibility of Abure’s accusations, noting the presence of law enforcement officers and journalists during the picketing, which he claimed refuted claims of theft. He urged the media to scrutinize Abure’s statements and expose them as false, emphasizing that the NLC is not engaging in a media confrontation but expects the press to uphold journalistic integrity by verifying claims made by Abure and his associates.

President Bola Tinubu assured the National Assembly leadership that their integrity remains unblemished amidst allegations of budget padding. Speaking at a dinner during Ramadan at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, President Tinubu emphasized that his administration values cooperation for national progress.

Addressing the senators, he expressed gratitude for their efficient handling of the budget and dismissed claims of malicious budget embellishments, stating, “I know the arithmetic of the budget… Those who are talking about malicious embellishment in the budget…did not understand the arithmetic… But your integrity is intact.”

Regarding the recent killing of soldiers in Delta State, President Tinubu vowed that those responsible would face justice, reaffirming his administration’s unwavering support for the military in safeguarding the nation’s security infrastructure.

He expressed optimism about overcoming current economic challenges, citing improved revenue and the need for prudent financial management. He assured Nigerians that better days lie ahead, stating, “Light is at the end of the tunnel, and Nigerians will soon smile again.”

President Tinubu commended the National Assembly for swiftly addressing the Student Loan Amendment Bill and urged them to embrace tolerance, forgiveness, and charity during Ramadan.

Responding, Senate President Godswill Akpabio appreciated the President for hosting the lawmakers, emphasizing the importance of continued collaboration for the success of the administration.

He concluded by highlighting the shared commitment of the National Assembly to support the administration, noting, “We believe strongly that for us to have two brothers from the National Assembly as President and Vice-President…we have no option but to work with you.”