The Director of Mobilisation of the Obidient Movement, Morris Monye, has stepped down from his position, citing frustration over poor coordination, lack of communication, and the movement’s unimpressive outing in the recent Anambra governorship election.
Monye made this known through a statement on his X handle on Thursday, expressing that despite his commitment, energy, and personal financial investment, the absence of structure and ineffective management had made his continued stay untenable.
According to him, “Almost a year down the line, most of our short, medium, and long-term plans have not been met. I won’t be part of optics and no work. The poor showing at the Anambra election has also made my position untenable.”
He revealed that he had personally financed national mobilisation projects without financial support from the leadership or from the movement’s leader and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi.
“No money was given to the Directorate of Mobilisation. There’s no bank account even for the directorate. In fact, Mr Peter Obi has never asked what we are doing in mobilisation — no communication, nothing,” Monye said.
Monye, who is regarded as one of the foremost organisers of the grassroots political movement, lamented that he had also endured persistent harassment from government loyalists because of his role.
“It’s a role that paints a target on your back. I’ve had to remain silent so as not to discourage anyone or appear to be complaining, but it has taken a toll on me and my family, who can hardly understand it all,” he noted.
Highlighting his achievements, Monye mentioned the creation of an online registration system for Obidients, the revival of inactive support groups, and the establishment of regional offices across states. He also spearheaded the “Obidient NextGen” campus network to attract young voters and future leaders.
He disclosed that he raised funds for the Obidient candidate in Anambra and initiated a project to equip polling agents with affordable body cameras for transparency, urging his successor to continue the initiative. “The next director must follow up on this. We have not closed it out yet,” he advised.
Monye stated that his resignation had been communicated to Mr Peter Obi, the National Coordinator, Dr Yunusa Tanko, and his state coordinator. He explained that he now intends to focus on his business and personal development, including a proposed business course at Oxford or Cambridge University.
Okay News reports that Monye, while commending the ideals of the movement, encouraged Obi to adopt professional consultancy and ensure the proper funding of directorates to enhance accountability and results-driven leadership.
“You can’t run a campaign simply from general goodwill. This is not 2023. The element of surprise is gone,” he said, adding that his time in the Obidient Movement was a “privilege” but that “it is time for someone else to carry the mantle.”
