Barrister Maxwell Opara, speaking on behalf of the Legal Advocates for Ethics and Integrity, has called on actor-turned-politician Kenneth Okonkwo to retract and apologise for comments alleging that an individual paid ₦10 million to secure a political party ticket through former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Opara challenged Okonkwo to produce the person who allegedly made the claim, insisting that such a serious allegation should be supported by credible evidence.
According to him, anyone who claims to have given money to Peter Obi, Labour Party leader Senator Seriake Dickson, or the party's national chairman in exchange for a ticket should publicly come forward and provide proof.
He assured that his group would offer free legal representation to any individual seeking to recover such funds, provided there was evidence to substantiate the claim.
“If anyone gave Peter Obi, Senator Seriake Dickson, or the national chairman money for a party ticket, let the person come forward with evidence. We are prepared to provide free legal services to help recover the money,” Opara stated.
The legal practitioner warned that failure by Kenneth Okonkwo to withdraw the statement and tender an apology could result in a formal petition being filed against him before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC).
Opara stressed that legal practitioners are expected to exercise caution when making public statements, particularly those involving criminal allegations.
He noted that accusing individuals of wrongdoing without verifiable evidence could have serious legal and professional consequences.
“Lawyers understand the implications of making criminal allegations without proof. Such claims must be backed by credible evidence and not mere speculation,” he said.
The development comes amid growing political debates and exchanges among key figures within Nigeria's opposition landscape ahead of future electoral contests.
As of the time of filing this report, Kenneth Okonkwo had not publicly responded to Opara's demand for a retraction and apology.
Opara challenged Okonkwo to produce the person who allegedly made the claim, insisting that such a serious allegation should be supported by credible evidence.
According to him, anyone who claims to have given money to Peter Obi, Labour Party leader Senator Seriake Dickson, or the party's national chairman in exchange for a ticket should publicly come forward and provide proof.
He assured that his group would offer free legal representation to any individual seeking to recover such funds, provided there was evidence to substantiate the claim.
“If anyone gave Peter Obi, Senator Seriake Dickson, or the national chairman money for a party ticket, let the person come forward with evidence. We are prepared to provide free legal services to help recover the money,” Opara stated.
The legal practitioner warned that failure by Kenneth Okonkwo to withdraw the statement and tender an apology could result in a formal petition being filed against him before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC).
Opara stressed that legal practitioners are expected to exercise caution when making public statements, particularly those involving criminal allegations.
He noted that accusing individuals of wrongdoing without verifiable evidence could have serious legal and professional consequences.
“Lawyers understand the implications of making criminal allegations without proof. Such claims must be backed by credible evidence and not mere speculation,” he said.
The development comes amid growing political debates and exchanges among key figures within Nigeria's opposition landscape ahead of future electoral contests.
As of the time of filing this report, Kenneth Okonkwo had not publicly responded to Opara's demand for a retraction and apology.
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