In a recent Arise TV interview, Nigerian lawyer Kenneth Okonkwo expressed skepticism about Labour Party Chairman Julius Abure’s call for reconciliation with Peter Obi, the party’s former presidential candidate. Okonkwo questioned the sincerity of this appeal, given that Abure has not yet addressed Obi’s concerns regarding transparency and accountability within the party.
Okonkwo pointed out that Obi had previously suggested an external audit of the party’s finances, a proposal that Abure has not acted upon. The lawyer emphasized the importance of adhering to the Labour Party’s constitutional principles, particularly those related to transparency and accountability.
During the interview, Okonkwo voiced his apprehensions about potential betrayal within the party. He stated, “Peter Obi said he wants to bring an Auditor to audit the account. Why has Abure not agreed to that and he’s calling Peter Obi to come and make peace, make peace on what?”
Okonkwo further elaborated on the party’s constitutional obligations, saying, “All the things he said you should do. Which one have you done to show transparency, to show Accountability, to conform to article 8 C of the Labour Party constitution which said we are going to build a Nigerian personality, that would be very selfless, transparent and conform to due process and rule of law.”
The lawyer’s comments underscored the need for genuine commitment to shared principles and cooperation among party members. He expressed his ongoing support for Obi while remaining vigilant about potential internal conflicts.
In a striking statement, Okonkwo revealed his concerns about Obi’s position within the party: “I told Peter Obi, these people will sell you out and I mean it. The only thing I’m begging them is that, because he’s still my brother, anywhere they sell him (Peter Obi) to, they should let me know so that I can start looking for him.”
These remarks highlight the ongoing tensions within the Labour Party and the challenges it faces in maintaining unity and trust among its members. The situation underscores the broader issue of transparency and accountability in Nigerian politics, as parties grapple with internal conflicts and the need for reform.
