By Karen James
In a recent interview with Arise TV, Nigerian lawyer Kenneth Okonkwo expressed doubts about the Labour Party Chairman Julius Abure’s call for reconciliation with the party’s former presidential candidate, Peter Obi. Okonkwo raised concerns over the sincerity of Abure’s peace appeal, pointing out that several of Obi’s demands, particularly regarding transparency and accountability within the party, remain unaddressed.
Okonkwo emphasized that Obi had previously recommended an external audit of the Labour Party’s finances, a step aimed at fostering transparency. However, despite the suggestion, Abure has yet to act on it. “Peter Obi said he wants to bring an auditor to audit the account. Why has Abure not agreed to that, and now he’s calling Peter Obi to make peace? Make peace on what?” Okonkwo questioned during the interview.
Highlighting the party’s constitutional principles, the lawyer stressed the importance of adhering to core values such as transparency and accountability, which he argued are essential to maintaining the integrity of the Labour Party. Okonkwo also expressed concerns over potential betrayal within the party, hinting that there may be deeper internal issues at play.
“The Labour Party has constitutional obligations to uphold transparency, and Abure must act in accordance with these principles if he genuinely seeks peace,” Okonkwo stated. The interview has sparked renewed conversation about the future of Labour Party leadership and its relationship with Obi, who remains a prominent figure in Nigerian politics.
This development raises questions about the potential for true reconciliation within the Labour Party and the steps that will be taken to address internal conflicts.
