Kenneth Okonkwo, former Labour Party chieftain, has described as unwise the decision by Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), to institute a N5 billion defamation suit against him over allegations that the former Anambra governor demanded bribes from party aspirants.
In a post on X on Wednesday, Okonkwo reacted to a legal letter issued by Obi’s lawyers demanding a retraction, public apology and N5 billion in damages over comments he made during a recent television interview.
The dispute stems from Okonkwo’s claim on Channels Television that Obi and some leaders of the NDC in the south-east demanded N10 million from aspirants seeking elective offices.
Obi, through his lawyers, described the allegation as false, malicious and defamatory, demanding that Okonkwo withdraw the claims within seven days or face legal action.
However, Ogbunike Ohaegbu, an NDC aspirant for the Nnewi North/Nnewi South/Ekwusigo federal constituency seat, has denied being the source of the allegation.
Speaking on Channels Television on Tuesday, Ohaegbu said Obi never asked him to pay N10 million and that he never told Okonkwo that the former Anambra governor demanded money from him.
“Peter Obi never told me to pay N10 million. I never told Kenneth Okonkwo that Peter Obi in any way told me to pay N10 million,” Ohaegbu said.
OKONKWO’S REACTION
Responding to the lawsuit, Okonkwo mocked the demand for damages and questioned Obi’s motives.
“It has been brought to my notice that there is a letter circulating online from the hypocrite, Peter Obi, and his lawyers that I should pay him N5 billion,” he wrote.
“If Peter Obi is looking for money to campaign, he should privately ask me for assistance, not come from extortion, and I will help him.”
The former spokesperson of Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign said he personally funded some of his activities while working for the former governor.
“I did so when I was his spokesperson, paying for my flight tickets and booking my hotel accommodation to some of our campaigns,” he said.
Okonkwo also warned that any court action could lead to the disclosure of information he obtained while serving as Obi’s spokesperson.
“My principle is that I do not use any confidential information I share with anyone against the person except the person who becomes unintelligent enough to tow the line of foolishness,” he said.
“Anyone who decides to sue his former spokesperson for defamation is indeed very unwise.”
The actor-turned-politician said he had not yet read the legal letter but would respond after reviewing it.
“I will reply to the letter whenever I have the time to read it later in the day,” he said.
“It will be a shame to Peter Obi and his lawyers if they do not take this case to court.”
