‘I never defamed you, you’re a liar’ – Kenneth Okonkwo attacks Peter Obi
Kenneth Okonkwo Calls Peter Obi a “Compulsive Liar” Amid Defamation Lawsuit
LAGOS, Nigeria — Kenneth Okonkwo, a prominent member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), criticized Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), branding him a “compulsive liar” during a television appearance on Friday. Okonkwo’s remarks were made in response to Obi’s legal action against him for defamation.
Speaking on Sunrise Daily, Okonkwo asserted that Obi lacks a solid understanding of defamation law and urged him to consult with his legal team for clarification. He maintained that his comments about Obi are publicly accessible and therefore not defamatory.
“There is a misunderstanding of legal principles here,” Okonkwo stated. “Defamation involves a claim regarding statements made that allegedly harm one’s reputation. However, Obi’s suit is based on what I intend to say, which is not legally sound.”
Okonkwo referenced specifics from his social media statements, indicating that he advised Obi against suing his spokesperson, cautioning that such legal actions could lead to the disclosure of confidential information.
“The defamation suit arises from a pre-action notice, which Obi initiated before I made my comments,” he explained. “If he believed I had defamed him, a lawsuit should focus on statements that have already been made.”
Further escalating the discourse, Okonkwo argued that Obi’s intentions could undermine rising political figures from the Southeast and questioned why Obi has not pursued litigation against other critics, including Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation, who has also labeled Obi a liar.
“Keyamo remarked that Obi lies like a fish drinks water; why hasn’t Obi sued him?” Okonkwo asked. “It appears there is a pattern here, and those around him should ensure he understands these legal nuances.”
Okonkwo’s comments highlight ongoing tensions among political figures in Nigeria as the country approaches the next election cycle.
