The Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Mr Peter Obi, has strongly condemned the recent threats credited to a Canadian-based Nigerian woman against fellow citizens of diverse origins.
The woman, Amaka Patience Sunnberger, sparked controversy after a video emerged of her making inflammatory remarks during a virtual TikTok meeting, where she threatened to poison the Yoruba and Benin persons living in Canada.
In denouncing the woman’s threat, Obi said, “I utterly condemn the reported hateful statement and actions attributed to a Nigerian woman living in Canada against other Nigerians of diverse origins. Such divisive comments or behaviour have no place in our society.”
He further urged Nigerians to focus on unity and common goals, saying, “As Nigerians, we should unite and focus on addressing our shared challenges, rather than allowing tribalism and hate to tear us apart. I have consistently stood against the polarisation of our country along tribal, religious or political lines.”
Obi raised pertinent questions about the consequences of such divisive rhetoric, asking, “What does a nation achieve through tribal or religious bigotry? Does it contribute positively to development, by fixing our numerous health, education challenges, and pulling people out of poverty? Does it reduce the price of bread, rice, garri, or yam in the market? Does it improve our transportation system or enhance the electricity supply? Does it ensure good governance? The answer is a resounding NO!!”
Emphasising the need for national unity, the former Anambra State governor declared that, “Our priority should be to move Nigeria forward, regardless of tribe or religion.”
He further called on Nigerians to live in peace and elect leaders with integrity and competence to overcome the country’s challenges.
“We, as Nigerians, must live together in peace and love, and ensure that we enthrone leaders based on integrity, competence, consistency, capacity, character, and compassion, so as to overcome our present challenges and move the country forward in the right direction.”
He appealed for a collective effort towards a united Nigeria, “Let us focus on what truly matters: building a prosperous, united, and equitable Nigeria for all. We must reject tribalism and religious division, and embrace our shared humanity, working together towards a new Nigeria that is possible!”
LEADERSHIP reports that the controversy began earlier this week when a video surfaced showing Sunnberger making provocative statements and threats against certain Nigerian ethnic groups.
In response, the Nigerian House of Representatives took immediate action, urging the Canadian government to investigate and prosecute Sunnberger.
The House highlighted that Sunnberger’s comments were violations of international and Canadian laws against incitement to violence and hate speech, describing the remarks as “dangerous and provocative.”
However, despite the backlash and condemnation of her comments, Sunnberger has remained adamant, dismissing the possibility of facing legal repercussions in Canada as a result of the comments.
In a video that went viral on X.com (formerly Twitter), she stated, in Pidgin English, “Somebody just send me message, say them arrest me, say them wan deport me, with passport? I be Canada pikin. See am now, I dey house, why I go dey lie?”
Her claims of immunity due to her Canadian citizenship have only fueled further outrage and calls for justice.
