By TINA TIMOTHY

The Labour Party (LP) Presidential Candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi has maintained that Barrister Kenneth Okonkwo remains his beloved brother and trusted ally, despite their differing views on the conflict going on in the party.

Noting that Okonkwo, a former member of LP 2023 Presidential Campaign Council but who recently resigned from the party, has stood by him “through thick and thin”, the former Anambra state governor, on his verified X handle @PeterObi on Monday, July 29, 2024 said that disagreements and differing views, rather than constituting enmity, are a natural part of any group, society, or movement, and therefore urged his supporters "to maintain a level of respect and decorum even when we disagree."

He wrote: "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."

"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," Obi said as he further called on his supporters to desist from negative remarks towards Okonkwo or anyone who leaves or disagrees with the party's views, strategies or tactics, adding that even in the face of disagreement and variance, unity, respect, and civility must prevail.

"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," he added.