The Labour Party’s (LP) presidential candidate for 2023, Peter Obi, has stated that despite Kenneth Okonkwo’s criticism of his leadership style, Okonkwo is still an ally.
On Sunday, Okonkwo chastised Obi for how he handled party business. The LP’s 2022 recruit Okonkwo charged Obi with neglecting to address the internal strife roiling the organization. The actor-turned-politician claims that Obi did not contribute enough to the party’s growth and resolution of its leadership dilemma.
“As a result of PO’s lack of leadership over the party, every Labour Party member is confused today about the future of the Labour Party. Unfortunately, when they look up to me to tell them about PO’s standpoint, I sincerely have nothing to tell them because I don’t know myself,” he wrote in a letter that was posted on X.
“I cannot continue to speak on behalf of a leader on matters of such great importance where I am unsure of his position,” he declared. I just don’t know how to bend the truth.
“To the degree that some of them are publicly claiming that PO is now the problem of LP, I am amazed that PO could not openly embrace the heroic efforts of the Labour Unions who formed the Labour Party as a base to fight for the welfare of workers. Sadly, the labor unions are currently facing criminals who wish to take over their organization, when a simple remark from PO would have provided the answer. I can’t carry on feeling this way forever.
But in a Monday reaction via his X handle, the former governor stated that Okonkwo is a strong voice and friend rather than an opponent because of his divergent viewpoint.
He stated, “I read my dear brother Kenneth Okonkwo’s open letter yesterday, in which he expressed opinions that differed from mine regarding the fights in our party. I also noticed different reactions to the letter today.
Thus, I would like to state very clearly and categorically that Okonkwo is still my dear brother and dependable ally. I strongly advise not calling him a mole or saying anything unfavorable. It is impossible to overestimate or undervalue Kenneth Okonkwo’s devotion and allegiance to me—he has supported me through good times and bad.
Any group, society, or movement will inevitably experience disagreements and differences in viewpoints, but it is crucial to always act with decency and respect, especially in the face of disagreement. Differing opinions do not make someone an enemy, and constructive discussion is far more important than making disparaging statements or personal assaults.
As a leader, I actually don’t want to collaborate with people who constantly agree with me because learning and listening are essential skills. I want to pay attention to people who hold different views and attempt to persuade them otherwise, or if appropriate, I want to follow their advise.
“I implore all supporters of a New Nigeria to stay steadfast, resilient, and focused. They should also desist from discouraging or disparaging Barrister Kenneth Okonkwo or anybody else who departs or differs with our ideas, approaches, or methods. My message is straightforward and unambiguous: despite differences and disagreements, we must maintain our togetherness, respect, and politeness.
