Former Labour Party Presidential candidate Peter Obi has strongly condemned the hateful statement and actions attributed to a Nigerian woman living in Canada, Amaka Patience Sunnberger, which targeted other Nigerians of diverse origins.
A woman identified as Sunnberger by Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), was reported to have threatened to poison some Nigerians of Yoruba and Edo descent living in Canada. However, NN News Media has learned that Amaka was responding to a viral audio in which a group of Yoruba and Edo individuals had threatened to unalive Igbo children whenever they are found.
Despite the context, Peter Obi has strongly condemned Sunnberger’s hateful statement.
In a statement posted on his X handle, Obi emphasized that such divisive comments and behavior have no place in Nigerian society.
Obi urged Nigerians to unite and focus on addressing their shared challenges rather than allowing tribalism and hate to divide them. He has consistently stood against the polarization of the country along tribal, religious, or political lines.
Obi questioned the benefits of tribal or religious bigotry, highlighting that it does not contribute positively to development. He asked whether such bigotry helps fix health and education challenges, reduces poverty, or improves the cost of essential commodities like bread, rice, garri, or yam. He also inquired if it enhances transportation systems or electricity supply or ensures good governance. His answer was a resounding “NO!”
Instead, Obi emphasized the importance of moving Nigeria forward, regardless of tribe or religion. He called on Nigerians to live together in peace and love, and to elect leaders based on integrity, competence, consistency, capacity, character, and compassion. This, he believes, is crucial for overcoming current challenges and steering the country in the right direction.
Obi concluded by urging Nigerians to focus on what truly matters: building a prosperous, united, and equitable Nigeria for all. He advocated for rejecting tribalism and religious division and embracing their shared humanity to work together towards a better future for Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has also written to the Canadian government, urging an immediate and thorough investigation into Sunnberger’s actions and her prosecution under relevant sections of the Canadian Criminal Code for incitement to genocide and hate speech
