The war of words between former political allies Peter Obi and Kenneth Okonkwo has continued, as the actor-turned-politician clapped back at Obi over the reported N5 billion defamation suit against him.
Okonkwo, who once served as spokesperson for Obi’s presidential campaign, mocked the legal threat and dared the former Anambra governor to proceed to court.
Reacting through a statement posted on his X account on Wednesday, Okonkwo said he had only seen reports of the legal letter allegedly sent by Obi and his lawyers but had not officially received or read it.
“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 N5b. Hahaha!” he wrote.
Taking a direct swipe at Obi, Okonkwo added:
“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 Labour Party chieftain claimed he personally spent his own money while working for Obi during the 2023 presidential campaign.
“I did so when I was his Spokesperson paying for my flight tickets and booking for my hotel accommodation to some of our campaigns,” he said.
Okonkwo also issued a strong warning to Obi’s legal team, hinting that sensitive information could emerge if the matter ends up in court.
“Let me sound this note of warning, the Lawyers must take responsibility for any information I may have to divulge, which I acquired as a spokesperson, but which by my conscience I have not shared with anyone,” he stated.
The outspoken politician further described Obi’s decision to sue a former spokesperson as a grave political miscalculation.
“Anyone who decides to sue his former Spokesperson for defamation is indeed very unwise,” Okonkwo said.
He insisted that he would formally respond after studying the letter, while daring Obi and his lawyers not to back down from legal action.
“It will be a shame to Peter Obi and his Lawyers if they do not take this case to court. I don’t have time or patience for scammers,” he said.
