Morris Monye, a key figure in Nigeria’s Obidient Movement, has officially stepped down as the Director of Mobilization, citing frustration over unmet goals, poor results in recent elections, and personal strain.
In a statement shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, Monye announced his resignation, saying it was important for the public to understand his reasons clearly so that “nothing is misconstrued.”
“Today I stepped down as Director of Mobilization of the Obidient Movement. It’s important you read to the end so nothing is misconstrued,” he began.
Explaining his decision, Monye expressed disappointment that after nearly a year, most of the movement’s strategic plans had not been achieved.
“Almost a year down the line, most of our short-term, medium-term, and long-term plans have not been met. I won’t be part of optics and no work,” he declared.
According to him, the movement’s poor performance during the Anambra election also made his position untenable.
Monye lamented that his role had made him and his businesses targets for harassment by “sympathizers and instruments of the government,” saying the pressure had taken a toll on his family.
“It’s a role that puts a target on your back. I have had to have kept quiet so as not to discourage anyone or be made not to look like a whiner. But it’s taken its toll on me and my family,” he revealed.
The former Director disclosed that he had spent about ₦40 million of his personal funds on various mobilization efforts, including events, travels, and publicity for the Obidient cause.
“I have spent approximately ₦40m of personal funds (my own money) on donating for Obidient events, mobilization travels across the country, funding committees, and evangelizing about the movement with calls for mobilization on radio airways in rural areas,” he said.
Monye further detailed several initiatives he led while serving as Director of Mobilization. He stated that he helped establish Obidient Local Government offices in several states, created structures across the country, and formed a research team to produce and distribute awareness materials about the government’s shortcomings.
“I created LG structures (it’s still small) for all states in Nigeria. Abuja being most active. Northeast being least active,” he noted, adding that the next director should expand on these foundations.
He also claimed responsibility for creating the Obidient Movement Facebook page, funding its management, and initiating the Obidient NextGen, a university campus youth network designed to harness young voters’ energy.
“We kickstarted the Obidient NextGen. It is a university campus youth network ably assisted by my secretary, Directorate of Mobilization, Mr. Monday Otene,” he said.
Monye clarified that all the funds spent came from his own resources and that no financial support was ever provided to his directorate.
“All were self-raised. By myself. From me. Through me. No money was given to the Directorate of Mobilization. There’s no bank account even for the directorate,” he disclosed.
“In fact, Mr. Peter Obi has never asked what we are doing in mobilization. Nothing of such. No communication. Nothing. I spent those personal monies because I believe in the movement as a vehicle for a new Nigeria,” he added.
Despite the challenges, Monye stated he remains committed to the vision of a better Nigeria but believes it is time for someone else to carry the mantle.
“Let someone else carry that mantle. I have been blessed in life with a small fortune. I’m content and a very simple young man,” he concluded.
Monye’s resignation adds to growing concerns about internal dissatisfaction within the Obidient Movement, which played a significant role in mobilizing support for Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi during the 2023 general elections.