Labour Party national chairman Abure released on bail

National chairman of the Labour Party (LP) Julius Abure has been released on bail following his arrest on Wednesday in Benin City, Edo State.

Abure regained his freedom around 3.05 am on Thursday.

Speaking to some of his supporters who were at the AIG Zone 5 headquarters shortly after his release, Abure stated that what he suffered is peculiar to what other freedom fighters suffered all over the world.

He added that his release by the police was effected by pressure mounted on the police from some quarters which he did not name, adding that assurances were given that the state chairman, state publicity secretary and others arrested alongside him would be released in the early hours of Thursday.

Abure said that despite his arrest and eventual release he remains undeterred from pursuing his party’s goals.

“Yesterday, we were making arrangements for the Edo State primaries and of course, the police swooped on us and arrested us over what I will not want to discuss now because the investigation is still going on and therefore we would not want to pre-empt them,” he said.

“But I must state clearly that following several interventions, they have graciously released me on bail except for the Edo State Chairman of the party, Kelly Ogbaloi and the youth leader. They (police) have also promised that by the early hours of Thursday, they will release them. We are hoping that they will fulfil their promise and release them.

“Whatever is happening to me will not discourage me from the struggle. We must continue to pursue the cause of the people. We must continue to fight for our people till we liberate them. I have said it and I will say it again, it is not capturing power that matters, it is what you do with power.”

Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), in charge of Zone 5, Benin City Arungwa Nwazule on Wednesday evening said Abure, Edo State chairman of the party, Kelly Ogbaloi; and three others were arrested for “conspiracy, brutal assault, attempted murder, armed robbery, grievous harm and conduct likely to cause breach of peace.”