Peter Obi Defends Kenneth Okonkwo, Calls Him ‘My Brother and Ally, Not a Mole

He Remains My Brother And Ally, Not A Mole – Peter Obi Defends Kenneth Okonkwo.

The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, warned his followers on Sunday not to lash out at the veteran actor and politician Kenneth Okonkwo. In a post on his X account early Monday, July 29th, Obi pleaded with his followers to immediately stop calling Okonkwo a mole, as the two had been very close over the years and remained in mutual respect.

This comes after Okonkwo announced quitting Obi’s camp last Sunday. In a statement through his Instagram page, Okonkwo… criticized Obi as weak and indecisive in handling national issues, thus opting to forge a new course in his political journey.

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The Labour Party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiorah Ifoh, reacting to Okonkwo’s words, said the party was aware of having moles in their group and would fish out these moles and deal with them. But Obi was more appeasing in his reaction, saying there was need to be respectful and orderly even in disagreement.

The statement by Peter Obi read:

“Yesterday, I read my dear brother Kenneth Okonkwo’s open letter, in which he had different 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 Barrister Okonkwo remains my beloved brother and a trusted ally. I sternly caution against referring to him as a mole or making any negative remarks.

“Barr. Kenneth Okonkwo has been very supportive during these trying times, and I cannot overstate his show of the spirit of brotherhood; his commitment remained unaltered. We are meant to have mis-understandings and differences, whether in a group, society, or movement; there must be a level of respect and decorum in our disagreements.”.

“Differing views do not make someone an enemy, and it is important to have constructive dialog instead of personal attacks or negative remarks. As a matter of fact, personally for me, I do not want to work with any person who always agrees with me because as a leader, learning and listening are cardinal aspects of leadership. I would like to listen to others who have differing opinions and try and convince them otherwise or take their advice if it were better.”.

“I implore all believers in a New Nigeria to continue to be strong, resilient, and focused, and not to discourage or speak ill of Barrister Kenneth Okonkwo or anybody who quits or disagrees with us on any view, strategy, or tactic taken. It is my very plain and simple message: unity, respect, and civility must reign, even in the face of any difference and divergence.”

This appeal to unity and civility by Peter Obi, therefore, is a very strong affirmation of his commitment to ensuring the sustenance of a respectable and inclusive political environment, despite these differences. It is an approach that puts a premium on constructive dialogue, plurality of opinions, and perspectives in the Labour Party at a time of high challenge for a New Nigeria.