Tag: Kenneth Okonkwo

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APC or PDP for Kenneth Okonkwo as he finally dumps Labour Party?

Kenneth Okonkwo

Many eyes will now be on former spokesperson for the Labour Party  Presidential Campaign Council, Kenneth Okonkwo, as he says he will finally quit the party on February 25.

He adds in a statement on Tuesday that he will be joining another party that aligns with his philosophy.

Two possible option will be the ruling All Progressive Congress and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party.

Analysts will see contradictions in his move to either, based on certain realities.

While politicians’ ways are, however, unpredictable, Okonkwo may also be eyeing  some other existing though less relevant parties, just as he may have given his heart to any of the new permutations.

In the statement, the former LP campaign spokesperson said the party is not ready for the 2027 general election due to internal and leadership crises.

He said, “My entrance to politics is for good governance, and I will continue to work for it to ensure that Nigeria becomes a great country of incorruptible men.

“This aim can no longer be realised within Labour Party as presently constituted.

“Since the party is non-existent as presently constituted, I am constrained to resign my membership of the party.

“To all Nigerians of goodwill who supported us when we needed them most, I pledge my continued loyalty to the Nigerian people in all I will decide to do in my political future.”

The Nollywood actor said he is open to pitching his political tent elsewhere.

“This resignation takes effect from the 25th of February, 2025, which marks the second anniversary of the presidential election of 2023, after which I will be at liberty to join other well-meaning and like-minded Nigerians in charting a great future of good governance for this great country blessed by God,” he added.

Okonkwo said the tenure of the party’s leadership had long elapsed and the caretaker committee set up to salvage the party has been hindered by unnecessary litigation.

He criticised the national chairman of the LP, Julius Abure, for allegedly prioritising personal interests over the party’s survival.

“The former National Chairman of Labour Party, Julius Abure, and his former National Working Committee, having conducted no national convention known to law, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the courts having held that the issue of the leadership of a political party is the internal affair of a political party for which the courts do not have the jurisdiction to entertain, there’s no effective leadership of Labour Party at the national level.

“The Senator Nenadi Usman-led Caretaker Committee, which was duly and legally set up by the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Labour Party, after the non-recognition of Abure-led National Working Committee (NWC) by INEC, and was given six months to conduct congresses and the convention, was the only viable option towards salvaging the Labour Party.

“Unfortunately, Abure and his colleagues, with the collaboration of outside forces, expectedly, being political jobbers, launched unnecessary legal challenges against this Caretaker Committee that have inhibited it from functioning. It’s more than six months after the inauguration of the committee, and the committee has not even taken off, leading many to conclude that the objective of these politicians of bread and butter with their outside collaborators is to bog down the serious members of Labour Party with frivolous and unnecessary litigation till the 2027 election is over.

“Isn’t it curious that a national executive of a political party whose elected members are defecting every day to other parties, and who can not wage legal battles to recover these seats for their party, is waging ferocious legal battles to maintain their destructive, choking hold on the party,” he asserted.

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People are dying of hunger – Kenneth Okonkwo

Kenneth Okonkwo

Actor and politician, Kenneth Okonkwo, has lamented that the economic situation in the country is so harsh that some people are dying of hunger.

Although he did not cite instances of such deaths, he made the assertion as he criticised President Bola Tinubu over the Federal Government’s decision to acquire another presidential jet.

Okonkwo highlighted the numerous challenges currently plaguing the country, including widespread hunger, rising fuel prices, financial instability, and frequent power outages.

He condemned the jet purchase as a glaring example of misplaced priorities, arguing that it demonstrates a lack of empathy for the suffering of ordinary citizens.

He noted in an online post: “People are dying of hunger. No food, no fuel, no finance, no electricity, and President Tinubu is buying a presidential jet. This is the height of insensitivity.”

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Kenneth Okonkwo is not a mole – Peter Obi

Kenneth Okonkwo

Opposition leader and presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has said that his estranged ally, Kenneth Obi, is not a mole.

He has thus warned his (Obi’s) followers against assaulting him or calling him so.

Okonkwo, a veteran actor-turned politician, two days ago, announced his separation from the Labour Party and parting of ways with Obi, whom he had been very loyal to.

He expressed doubts at Obi’s capacity to lead.

But in response, Obi saluted him and described his as an associate forever.

He noted on X:  “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.

“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.”

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Kenneth Okonkwo mourns Mr Ibu

Ibu
 Actor and politician, Kenneth Okonkwo,  has also mourned the death of  veteran Nollywood comedian,  Mr Ibu.
Okonkwo took his Instagram page @iamkennethokonkwo to bid Mr Ibu  farewell, saying  he has lost a friend, brother and colleague.
He said that Ibu  started his acting  career under his watch, adding that it was painful to bid him goodbye.
According to him, Mr Ibu captured the world with his  splendid performance in comedy, by carving his own unique path in Nollywood and succeeded on his own peculiar terms at his own pace.
“Farewell to John Okafor (Ibu), just lost a friend, brother and colleague.
“His footprint will remain indelible on the sands of Nollywood.
” May his soul rest in peace and may his memory be a blessing,” he wrote.

NAN also recalls that in October 2023, the actor revealed that he was suffering from an ailment that might require amputating  one of his legs.

The actor  appealed to his fans and the public for prayers and financial assistance to cover his medical bills.

He also shared a video of himself lying in a hospital bed, expressing his fear of losing his leg.

In November 2023, Okafor underwent a leg amputation after suffering from an illness that required seven surgeries.

His family said the amputation was done to keep him alive and increase his chances of recovery.

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EDUCATION FEATURED STORIES

Kenneth Okonkwo speaks as 230 universities participate in annual debate

Okonkwo

No fewer than 230 Nigerian Universities are expected to participate in the 2023 All Nigerian Universities Debating Championship, scheduled to hold between Aug. 27 and Sept. 3 at Veritas University, Abuja.

Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Dr Victor Odoeme, said this during a pre-event news conference by the All Nigerian Debating Council in preparation for the championship.

Odoeme said veteran Nollywood actor, Kenneth Okonkwo, would be the keynote speaker at the event.

“This is the 10th edition and Veritas is the defending champion,” he said.

Odoeme said that the championship was open to undergraduate students of all Nigerian Universities whether faith-based, public, private and state-owned, who have been invited to participate.

He said that participants would be debating on topics to be selected by an experienced panel and that there would be room for public speaking competition.

Odoeme urged private and public organisations especially the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC) and Tertiary Education Fund (TetFund) to contribute and support the championship.

“The conversation with NUC is ongoing but we are hoping that they will come in the future and to advise every university in Nigeria to take up debating as a core curricular activity which is one of the major objectives of the All Nigerian University Debating Council.

“Since this is a bag round for advocacy, it is good for NUC to make sure every university adopts it because of the benefits that come with being exposed at that level.

“We have also reached out to TetFund, so we are still having the discussion hoping that they will buy into the idea and understand that this is an essential part of the university and funding it will be as good as funding tertiary education in its entirety.

“We are open to have corporate sponsorships and we are glad that some of them are buying into the project,” he said.

Odoeme also said that the championship is an intellectual equivalent of the All Nigerian Universities Games.

He said that the strength put in organising the sports angle should also be applied to the intellectual angle.

Mr Ocheido Adah, Convener of the tournament, said the essence of the debate was to allow people to have thinking capacity on the spot.

He said that the future of the country needed to be in the hands of youths who are thinking.

“This means that if they are faced with any difficulty wherever they find themselves, there is a training that constantly allows them to reach the deepest part of their thought process and bring out something which becomes very important for their growth.

“So, if you are going to interact with the debater in future, you will be able to understand that someone who has gone through that rigorous process is able to say 10 things and eight will be meaningful and for some, the 10 things will be meaningful.

“The debate is not the common podium debate most institutions do; it’s like the British parliamentary system where people are given topics on the spot to think.

“So, what it does is, rather than actually giving people what they will go back to their tutors to prepare speeches for them to come and deliver, you get them on stage and you give them 15 minutes to talk,  where they don’t have access to the internet or any help,” he said.

Rev. Fr. Dr Martin Onukwuba, Director of Development, Veritas University said: “This is the first time the debate is coming to the north”.

He urged the government to pay attention to the championship just as they do to football and other sports in the country.

Onukwuba also urged undergraduates from other universities in the country to attend the debate as adequate arrangements had been made to provide security for the participants and visitors.

Edi Monkpe, the current Student Union President (SUG) of the institution said the university had produced champions in the debate more than any other university.

“Education does not end in the classroom; it is also a medium of teaching and learning during the course of the debate.

“One will have the opportunity to learn how to speak, learn how to stand out from the society and also one’s level of reasoning is going to be equipped.”

NAN reports that there are trophies and certificates for the best speaker, best debater and best institution.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

With support of NLC, TUC, Obi will win in 2023 – Kenneth Okonkwo

Kenneth Okonkwo

Elijah Adebero

Veteran actor and lawyer, Kenneth Okonkwo, has has said that the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, is the only option for Nigeria.

He also believes Obi will win the 2023 presidential election.

Okonkwo, who spoke recently on Channels TV, said this was because Obi has the full support of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).

Also Read: Obidients know how to throw jabs, not how to take them – Fanikayode

Okonkwo also cited the campaign marches that happened on October 1 in almost all the states of the federations as one of the reasons Obi will win the election come next year.

He said, “Let me tell you how he [Peter Obi] has already won the [2023 presidential] election.

“All these marches that are going on, on October 1, they simultaneously went on throughout almost all the federations.

“In Lagos, they [marches] were at five different places.

I want to tell you that those people marching are votes because nobody told them to come out.

“Now NLC, TUC have thrown all their weights behind Peter Obi, is there any local government, anywhere that you don’t have labour present, and they are talking about structure?

“What I am saying is that Obi is the only option. There is no other option.”

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT POLITICS

Kenneth Okonkwo praises Buhari for ‘continuity’

Okonkwo

Nollywood actor, Kenneth Okonkwo, has commended efforts of President Buhari in ensuring continuity in the various projects left by his predecessor.
Okonkwo, however, urged the president to choose a youth to succeed him in office.
”The best way to preserve your legacy is to choose men out of the people. He should choose a younger man to face the challenges of Nigeria.

“The greatest legacy of the president is continuity. This is because when he came into power, all the pending projects of the past administration, he tried to complete them,” he noted.
On security, he said the present administration had done a lot in ensuring security of lives and properties in the country but more still needed to be done.

He said the issue of security should be delegated and not left in the hands of one man to ensure the security of millions of Nigerians.

Okonkwo made the call at the monthly National Policy and Development Summit (N-PoD) held in Abuja on Tuesday.
The President, Chartered Institute of Loan and Risk Management of Nigeria Ltd., Dr Harriet Akubuiro, said it was imperative for the legacy of the present administration to be sustained.
Akubuiro said:” Mr President should please give the country the best free and fair election for this will lead to the emergence of another competent and visionary leader as our President.
”He should encourage such a leader to engage knowledgeable technocrate and provide support to them even after he is gone so as to sustain these legacies.
”He should also establish a risk management commission that would assist in regulating institutional function in this country,” he said.
Similarly, the Managing Director , Soul Sight Nigeria Ltd, Joko Okupe, urged citizens to stop the blame game and strive to work for the good of Nigerians.
”We should try to ensure continuity in government irrespective of party and strive as citizens to close all gaps.
”The President has done his best within the continent of resources availabl

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When to quit that relationship, according to Kenneth Okonkwo

Nollywood star, Kenneth Okonkwo, is not an apostle of separation or divorce.

As much as he would like to preach love and til–death-do-us-apart however, he is not mixing words in advising folks to quit any relationship where communication is no more possible.

In a relationship nugget he shared on Friday, he enjoins communication no matter the circumstance.

Once this can no more be, then it is time to go.

He noted: “It’s true that talking about issues could be exhausting, especially if your partner is someone who doesn’t listen or someone who doesn’t put in the efforts to change things.

“But I have to say this: If your relationship has gotten to that point where you no longer communicate your feelings to each other because you think that doing so is a waste of time. Please, quit it.

“It’s better to liberate yourself from the emotional, psychological, and mental torture than to remain stuck in it, because surely, what you have going is not a relationship. It’s perpetual suffering.”

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Nollywood actor Kenneth Okonkwo gives single ladies relationship expo

Okonkwo

Popular actor, Kenneth Okonkwo, has offered single ladies what can be described as the manual they could use in dealing with guys they could potentially marry.

The gist also seems so revealing that it can be called a relationship expo – with the last word suggesting pre-provided answers to an exam.

According to him, in courtship, they should act out their true selves because the men involved had seen certian things before approaching them.

Besides, he added, a man does not need to date for years before making up his mind.

In a Facebook reflection on Saturday, Okonkwo, who has also dabbled into politics, said:

”Absolutely no man needs to date you for years to know if you’re marriageable or not. Men almost certainly know what they want from a woman even before they approach her.

My advice to ladies looking to find life partners is this: always be yourself. Make sure you’re happy and enjoying the relationship and not pretending so as to please the man you’re dating.

If it’s not you, it’s not you and there’s absolutely nothing you can do about it. It’s not about you. It’s about him and where he’s placed you in his heart.