‘He is still my beloved brother’ – Peter Obi reacts to Kenneth Okonkwo’s open letter

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections has reacted after his trusted ally Kenneth Okonkwo lashed out at him while dumping the Party.

Recall that Kenneth Okonkwo,  an actor turned politician, announced his exit from Labour Party on Sunday, July 28, over the lingering internal strife and leadership crisis threatening to tear the party apart.

He also had some choice words for Obi in the statement he released (read here).

After Okonkwo, who was the party’s Presidential Campaign Council spokesman, announced his resignation, the party’s leadership described him as one of the moles in their camp.

However, reacting to the development, Obi, said despite dumping the labour party, Okonkwo remains his trusted ally.

He wrote on X: “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.

“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.”