Politics

Okonkwo moves against Obi over alleged inability to provide leadership for LP

Published

6 months ago

July 28, 2024

admin

Kenneth Okonkwo

***Says, LP members are confused due to lack of leadership

***Says, protest is a democratic right of citizens, but must remain peaceful

***LP describes Okonkwo as a mole

Actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo and a die-hard supporter of the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 polls, Peter Obi has moved against him for not speaking out against the NWC of the party whose tenure has elapsed and has refused to quit.
The LP had been enmeshed in crises over leadership tussle with the Labour Unions who midwived the formation of the party over alleged derailment from its original purpose

Okonkwo while expressing his commitment, irreversibly, to a great Nigeria built on equity, justice, and fairness, where every citizen will be free and able to aspire to any position or level in life without regard to primordial sentiments said he is surprised at Peter Obi’s lack of commitments to greatness of the LP
In a piece he entitled “Political Journey To A Great Nigeria,” Okonkwo said that he is shocked that Peter Obi could not openly support the noble efforts of the Labour Unions.
“I received my first shock when he publicly declared that he didn’t promise Nigerians to build a strong Labour Party, but to solve Nigeria’s problems.
“I was like, does it mean HE Peter Obi is not aware that without a solid party base, we are heading nowhere politically? However, I continued in his defence believing he would still privately bring the needed solution to LP’s problems. to no avail.
He said obi had also publicly demanded that the Abure-led National Working Committee must organise an all-inclusive convention that will guarantee the participation of all members of the Labour Party in the choice of their leaders which did not happen.
He added that, surprisingly, the PO refused to disassociate himself from the shenanigans and criminal activities of the former NWC as their time had expired.
“Every member of the Labour Party is confused today as to the future of the Party because of the lack of leadership from the PO over the party, and unfortunately, when they look up to me to tell them about the PO’s standpoint, I sincerely have nothing to tell them because I don’t know myself.
“I cannot continue to speak on behalf of a leader that I do not know his stand on issues of great importance. I simply don’t know how to manipulate facts.
“The Labour Unions now have an unfortunate situation where they are fighting criminals who want to hijack their party when an ordinary statement from the PO would have brought the solution. I cannot continue with this ambivalence forever, the statement said.
“I am shocked that PO could not openly support the noble efforts of the Labour Unions who founded the Labour Party as a base to fight for the welfare of workers to the extent that some of them are openly saying that PO is now the problem of LP.
“I am of course in full support of the Labour Unions and other stakeholders who are now compelled to fight for the soul of LP without the support of PO.
“However, the consequence is that I no longer have the confidence that PO has what it takes to build a party that can win these kakistocrats and kleptocrats, and above all, he has proved that even if the people vote for him, he doesn’t have what it takes to secure the mandate.
“I don’t intend to embark on such a campaign as we did in 2023, projecting a person who cannot sustain the victory even if he wins.
“It’s in this regard that I have decided to continue my political journey into the great Nigeria of our vision without Peter Obi. I am always 100% loyal to a leader whenever I am working or following the leader.
“At anytime I have doubts within me that I can no longer offer 100% loyalty to him, I will respectfully let everyone know. When I joined myself to his campaign, I made it public, now that I cannot guarantee my support for his future political aspirations, I believe I owe it to everyone to let everyone know.
“This has nothing to do with any desire to join APC or PDP. I will perpetually be joined to the Nigerian people and their aspirations for a new, better, and great Nigeria.
“There’s also absolutely nothing personal with my decision to adjust my relationship with HE Peter Obi. It’s 100% based on principles and my conviction that I need a more decisive, bold, brave leader with integrity and team spirit who can confront these kakistocrats and kleptocrats head on. I will continue to respect him and cherish the periods we worked together.

“With this declaration, I am free to embark on negotiation and consultation with every like-minded people to determine the next step in my political journey, which does not include joining APC or PDP for now, but includes, and not limited to consolidation of Labour Party.
“Nigeria must regain its greatness, whether the kakistocrats and kleptocrats like it or not. Protest is a democratic right of the people. Nobody should prevent the people from protesting, even as the protesters should endeavour to be peaceful.
“The government must deploy all its wisdom and exercise extreme restraint in the management of the protest of the people. The best method of avoiding protest is good governance. With bad governance, protest is inevitable.
“What is happening in the Labour Party today has inspired in me a determination to chart a new course for my political journey. After the 2023 general election, Nigerians, including me, had high hopes for the Labour Party.
“I believe that Peter Obi will seize the momentum and build a solid party of integrity that will have the solid base that we need to overthrow these kakistocrats and kleptocrats. He just needed to give the right directives and everyone would fall in line.”
The National Publicity Secretary of the LP,
Obiora Ifoh in a swift reaction said, “Kenneth 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 bound.

“If you recall, recently a former Director General of the party’s presidential campaign organisation resigned and rejoined the APC. Only last week, a former deputy Director General of the presidential campaign organisation also resigned and rejoined the APC. “Today, it is the turn of Mr. Okonkwo, a former member of APC, who smuggled himself into the presidential campaign, and his destination is already known to us.

“Needless to say that Nigeria is not in want of political jesters and jobbers whose stomach are their gods. 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 here, 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.
“Labour Party is keeping to its decision to stand with Peter Obi as its leader and presidential hopefully come 2027 presidential election and we are not apologetical about that position. “Coordinated attacks from some quarters will not in anyway 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.”

Politics

“Where Did $3.23B Go?” Peter Obi Slams Mismanagement of Power Funds Amid Another Grid Failure

Published

6 days ago

January 12, 2025

admin

Peter Obi

Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has raised serious concerns over Nigeria’s persistent electricity woes despite borrowing a staggering $3.23 billion in the last four years to address the sector’s challenges.

Speaking after reports of a power outage on Saturday, Obi lamented the recurring grid collapses that have left millions of Nigerians in darkness, disrupted businesses, and crippled critical infrastructure. Although the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) dismissed claims of a nationwide collapse, attributing the incident to two tripped transmission lines affecting parts of Lagos, Obi remains unconvinced.

The Labour Party leader described the power sector’s failings as a “recurring decimal,” highlighting that the national grid collapsed approximately 12 times in 2024 alone. “The untold setback and hardship it brought on households and businesses was immeasurable,” Obi said, questioning why Nigeria still struggles to produce just 4,500 megawatts of power after years of borrowing and investment.

“Instead of making significant progress, we’re witnessing recurrent failures. One wonders where all the funds borrowed for the power sector have gone,” he stated.

Obi linked the crisis to widespread corruption and a lack of commitment by leaders, urging the government to prioritize genuine development in 2025. He emphasized that without stable electricity, the nation’s economy, particularly households and small businesses, will continue to suffer.

This latest critique comes as Nigerians grapple with the realities of an unreliable power supply despite years of promises and investments in the energy sector. Obi’s call for transparency and accountability strikes a chord with many citizens who question why the lights are still out after billions of dollars have been spent.

Politics

For better Nigeria, Obi says he is ready to pay the supreme prize

Published

2 weeks ago

January 6, 2025

admin

Peter Obi

The former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi has boldly declared his willingness to pay the supreme price for the betterment of Nigeria, signaling his unwavering commitment to the country’s progress despite facing relentless opposition.
Obi, who has faced intimidation, personal attacks, and sabotage since his foray into politics, stated that he remains resolute in pushing for the reforms that ordinary Nigerians desperately need, even if it comes at the cost of his own life.

In a deeply personal statement, Obi spoke to reporters following his New Year address to the nation. “It is extremely difficult to be in opposition in this country.
Everything is against you,” he lamented. “People don’t want to see you or associate with you because they fear government backlash. My businesses and personal life have been attacked, but I’ve made up my mind. If this is the end, so be it.”

Obi described Nigeria’s political environment as hostile to those who challenge the status quo, with efforts to silence dissent at all levels. Despite these harsh realities, Obi emphasized that the country’s future depends on courageous leadership willing to make personal sacrifices for the common good. “None of us is going to live forever. So we must build a better society for our children. And to build this, some of us will take the risk. That is part of what Dele and others are going through. Not just him, but everyone – even at the local and state levels.”

In his address, Obi turned his focus to Nigeria’s dire economic state, calling for urgent action to tackle inflation, food insecurity, and the country’s failing education and healthcare systems. He stressed that governance must focus on the tangible needs of the people, not just political power games. “Governance is not about what you say; it is about what people feel,” Obi stated, urging the government to prioritize the well-being of Nigerians over foreign trips and extravagant spending.

Obi also pointed to the deepening poverty and unemployment, noting his visit to an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp where he witnessed the heartbreaking sight of children eager to attend school but unable to do so due to their circumstances. “People are dying because they can’t afford basic necessities,” Obi stated with a heavy heart. “I saw 1,500 kids yesterday who are not in school. What are we doing about it?”

Criticizing the government’s tax policies, Obi argued that it is illogical to tax an impoverished populace and struggling industries. “You cannot tax people living in extreme poverty or factories that have shut down,” Obi said, stressing that a productive economy is the foundation for generating revenue. “When people are gainfully employed, then you can talk about generating revenue. What we need now is to reflate the country and make it productive,” he added.

In closing, Obi reiterated his call for unity among all political forces, urging Nigerians who truly care about the nation’s future to collaborate in rebuilding the country. “We need everyone who means well to come together and rebuild this country,” he stated.

His final remarks were a solemn pledge to continue fighting for the welfare of the Nigerian people. “None of us will live forever. But we must build a nation where our children can thrive. If I have to pay the supreme price for that, so be it,” Obi declared.

Peter Obi’s speech highlighted his commitment to advocating for the voiceless and challenging the status quo. His resolve to make personal sacrifices, even in the face of adversity, sets a powerful tone for the year ahead as Nigerians continue to look for solutions to the nation’s most pressing issues.

Politics

Presidency Fires Back at Peter Obi’s Dire New Year Predictions

Published

2 weeks ago

January 3, 2025

admin

Peter Obi

In a fiery exchange of words, President Tinubu’s Special Adviser for Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has accused Labour Party’s Peter Obi of painting Nigeria’s future in bleak colors to score political points.
While Nigerians welcomed 2025 with optimism, Obi’s New Year message highlighted worsening poverty and insecurity, sparking sharp criticism from the presidency.

Onanuga dismissed Obi’s remarks as “misleading” and labeled him a “prophet of doom,” arguing that economic and political indicators point to recovery, not decline. However, Obi insisted that over 100 million Nigerians remain trapped in poverty, with the nation’s fortunes in reverse.
Onanuga accused Obi of name-calling and a campaign of calumny against Tinubu’s government, adding his New Year’s message where he claimed Nigeria’s political, economic, and security situation is worsening daily, was misleading.

On Thursday, Obi claimed that the government had not done enough to address the country’s “worsening” economic, political, and security challenges for nearly two years.

Obi said Nigerians were losing hope and insisted that Nigeria remained one of the poverty capitals of the world, with over 100 million people living in extreme poverty and more than 150 million in multidimensional poverty.

According to the Labour Party chieftain, Nigeria’s challenges are visibly worsening with its fortunes in clear reverse, pointing out that current indices are indications of the country’s decline.
But Onanuga maintained that Obi’s comment is geared toward scoring cheap political points.
“Obi’s New Year message, in which he claimed that our dear country’s political, economic, and security situation is worsening daily, is misleading and appears intended to score cheap political points,” Onanuga said.

“This claim, at a time when all indicators show that our country is rebounding in significant measure across all sectors, casts Obi, squarely, as Nigeria’s leading doomsayer.”