Governor Alex Otti of Abia State says the Supreme Court judgement on Friday, which sacked the Julius Abure- led National Working Committee of Labour Party, LP, will pave the way for the return of peace, unity and order in the party.

Otti, who was reacting to the Court ruling, said the leadership of the party has been vindicated.

According to him, the tenure of the Abure-led National Working Committee had long expired which informed the decision to set up the National Caretaker Committee led by Esther Nenadi Usman as Chairman and Darlington Nwokocha as secretary.

Governor Otti added that the vision behind the setting up of the committee was to foster peace and unity, while strengthening the party to consolidate on the gains made in the last election.

Governor Otti commended the Supreme Court for its sound judgement, which he said met the popular expectations of genuine Labour Party members in particular, and Nigerians in general and thanked those who kept faith while the battle for the soul of the party lasted.

Otti further invited the former national officers of the party to join hands with the National Executive Committee, NEC and the National Caretaker Committee, NCC, of the party to move the party forward, assuring that he and other leaders of the party were committed to building an all-inclusive party devoid of discrimination and favoritism.

Ahead of tomorrow’s Gubernatorial primary elections, the All Progressives Congress (APC) may be facing serious internal crisis after two front line aspirants announced their withdrawal from the race.

In separate letters, Sir Paul Chukwuma and Hon Chuma Umeoji both announced their decision to step away from the race.

They both cited personal reasons for their decision.

Bangkok [Thailand], April 4 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday met with Bangladesh’s chief advisor Muhammad Yunus for the first time since Sheikh Hasina’s ouster. in their meeting that was held on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, the two leaders discussed Sheikh Hasina’s extradition, the Foreign Secretary of India, Vikram Misri said.

Addressing a special briefing on PM Modi’s visit to Thailand, Misri stated “There were talks on Sheikh Hasina’s extradition. Can’t say more on that.”

Further, Misri said that PM Modi has expressed India’s concerns over the safety and security of minorities, including Hindus in Bangladesh during his meeting.

“PM Modi reiterated India’s support for democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh. He underlined India’s desire to forge a positive and constructive relationship with Bangladesh. The PM also urged that any rhetoric that vitiates the environment is best avoided,” foreign secretary Vikram Misri said.

Misri further said that the situation of minorities, including that of Hindu minorities were raised by India.

“The PM also urged that any rhetoric that vitiates the environment is best avoided. On the border, strict enforcement of the law and prevention of illegal border crossing are necessary to maintain border security and security. The PM also underlines India’s concerns over the safety and security of minorities, including Hindus in Bangladesh,” he added.

PM Modi is in Bangkok for the 6th BIMSTEC Summit.

In a post on X, he said, “With fellow BIMSTEC leaders at the Summit being held in Bangkok, Thailand. We reaffirm our commitment to boosting cooperation across diverse sectors. May our efforts bring a positive difference in people’s lives.”

The 6th BIMSTEC Summit marks a significant regional engagement between India and its neighbouring countries in the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) group.