‘He Remains My Trusted Ally’
FOLLOWING the dumping of the party by the former spokesman of the Peter Obi campaign organisation, Mr. Kenneth Okonkwo, and his attack on its presidential candidate in last year’s general elections, Mr. Peter Obi, the leadership of the Labour Party (LP) has described him as one of the moles in its camp.
Recall that the Nollywood actor dumped the LP on Sunday, July 28, citing the party’s lingering internal and leadership crisis, saying he had lost confidence in Obi to rescue Nigeria, as the country needs a decisive leader who is selfless enough to secure victory.
But reacting to Okonkwo’s outburst, LP’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Obiora Ifoh, said Okonkwo’s departure did not come as a surprise to any of their followers who already knew he was a mole within their rank, but noted that his attack on Obi, his one-time ally, was needless and rather unfortunate.
Ifoh said: “Okonkwo’s resignation from the Labour Party didn’t come to us as a surprise. We also think that his attack on the party’s leader, Peter Obi, is rather unfortunate.
“However, we will continue not to dignify him with any response, as we understand that his attention-craving attitude knows no bounds.
“Recently a former director general of the party’s presidential campaign organisation (Dr. Doyin Okupe) resigned and rejoined the APC. Only last week, an ex-deputy director general of the presidential campaign organisation also resigned and rejoined the APC.
“Today, it is the turn of Okonkwo, a former member of APC, who smuggled himself into the presidential campaign, and his destination is already known to us.
“Needless to say Nigeria is not in want of political jesters and jobbers whose stomach are their gods. The Labour Party is not perturbed by his decision to move on and in fact, we wish him well in his future endeavours, whether in acting, law practice, politics or otherwise.
“We also wish to note that the party is aware of a few other persons who are planted as moles, who are presently instigating crisis within the party and who have unsuccessfully attempted to hijack the party for the use of their paymasters. We urge them to act fast and do the needful before they are exposed and fumigated out of the party.
“The Labour Party is keeping to its decision to stand with Obi as its leader and presidential hopeful come the 2027 presidential election, and we are not apologetic about that position.
“Coordinated attacks from some quarters will not in any way diminish the trust Nigerians, particularly the Obidients and youths in Nigeria, have in him. We know that with him, a new Nigeria will be possible. Nigerians spoke loudly in 2023 and they will speak even louder come 2027.”
However, Obi cautioned party members and supporters against attacking Okonkwo over his differing opinions, saying he remained his ally.
In posts on his X handle on Monday, July 28, the former governor of Anambra State said Okonkwo’s differing opinion does not make him an enemy, but rather a strong voice and friend.
“Yesterday, I read my dear brother, Kenneth Okonkwo’s open letter, in which he expressed differing views with me on the skirmishes in our party. And today, I saw various responses to the letter.
“I want to, therefore, categorically and emphatically declare that Okonkwo remains my beloved brother and a trusted ally. I sternly caution against referring to him as a mole or making any negative remarks. Kenneth Okonkwo has stood by me through thick and thin, and his loyalty and commitment cannot be overstated or diminished.
“Disagreements and differing opinions are a natural part of any group, society or movement, and it is essential to maintain a level of respect and decorum even when we disagree. Having differing views does not make someone an enemy, and it is crucial to engage in constructive dialogue rather than resorting to personal attacks or negative remarks.
“In fact, to me personally, I don’t want to work with anyone who always agrees with me, because as a leader, learning and listening are critical components of leadership. I want to listen to those who have different opinions and try to convince them otherwise or take their advice if it is better.
“I urge all believers of a New Nigeria to remain strong, resilient and focused, and to refrain from discouragement or negative remarks towards Kenneth Okonkwo or anyone who leaves or disagrees with our views, strategies or tactics.
“My message is clear and simple: unity, respect and civility must prevail, even in the face of disagreement and variance.”
