Stop attacking Kenneth Okonkwo, he’s still my trusted ally — Obi

Mr Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the last election, has urged his supporters to stop attacking the former spokesman of his presidential campaign council, Barrister Kenneth Okonkwo after his sudden exit from the party.

NewsBand reported that the Nollywood actor in a letter on Sunday, said he decided to excuse himself from the Labour Party after Mr Peter Obi failed to squarely address the internal crisis rocking the party.

He also accused the former governor of Anambra State of being complicit in the party’s crisis after he blatantly refused to distance himself from what he described as “shenanigans and criminal activities of the National Working Committee of the party” led by Barrister Julius Abure

But reacting to Okonkwo’s letter, Obi cautioned his supporters to desist from making any negative remarks against him.

According to Obi, Kenneth Okonkwo stood by him through thick and thin, and his loyalty and commitment cannot be overstated or diminished.

He said, “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 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 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.”

Speaking further in the statement, Obi said having different views over an issue does not make one an enemy, adding that it is necessary to engage in constructive dialogue rather than resort to personal attacks.

“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 Barrister 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”, the statement concluded.

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