Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate for the Labour Party (LP), has strongly condemned the death threats issued by a Canadian-based woman against Nigerians.
The woman, identified by the federal government as Amaka Patience Sunnberger, had reportedly threatened to poison Nigerians living in Canada.
Sunnberger, a resident of Ontario, Canada, made these threats in a TikTok virtual meeting, where she spoke primarily in Pidgin English. She allegedly vowed to carry poisonous substances to her workplace and target Yoruba and Benin individuals due to her perceived animosity towards Igbos.
In response, Obi took to his X account on Friday to denounce the threats. “I utterly condemn the reported hateful statement and actions attributed to a Nigerian woman living in Canada against other Nigerians of diverse origins,” Obi stated. “Such divisive comments or behavior have no place in our society.”
He emphasized that such ethnic bigotry only serves to divide the nation and detracts from pressing national issues. “As Nigerians, we should unite and focus on addressing our shared challenges, rather than allowing tribalism and hate to tear us apart,” Obi added. “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?”
Obi criticized the notion that such divisive actions would lead to any real benefits for the country, asserting, “The answer is a resounding NO!! Our priority should be to move Nigeria forward, regardless of tribe or religion.”
He called for unity and a focus on genuine progress. “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,” Obi concluded.
“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!”
