Victor Ezeja
Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Mr Peter Obi, has condemned the hateful comments by a Nigerian based in Canada identified as Amaka Patience Sunnberger.
In a TikTok video that went viral, Sunnberger in what seemed like a virtual chat was threatening to poison people from Benin and Yoruba ethnic groups.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelHer comment in the video clip sparked outrage across the country.
On 28th August 2024, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, wrote to the Mayor of Brampton, Canada, Patrick Brown, asking the Canadian authorities to investigate Sunnberger over her hateful comment.
Also, the House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora matters wrote to the Canadian High Commission in Nigeria on Wednesday, asking the Canadian government to investigate and prosecute Sunnberger for her action.
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Some reports claimed that Sunnberger’s comment was in reaction to another hate speech on social media by a man who identified himself as Kingsley, against Igbo people.
In the video clip circulating on social media, Kingsley with a handle, papakins18, was encouraging Benin people of Edo State to poison Nigerian children from Igbo ethnic group.
He accused the Igbo of invading Benin during the civil war.
Reacting to the incident, Obi in a statement via his verified X handle on Friday, said “Such divisive comments or behaviour have no place in our society.”
Obi admonished Nigerians to unite and focus on addressing challenges ravaging the country, not allowing ethnic differences to divide them.
“I have consistently stood against the polarisation of our country along tribal, religious or political lines,” Obi stated,
He stressed that no country gains anything from ethnic or religious bigotry, adding that it does not contribute to national development.
“Our priority should be to move Nigeria forward, regardless of tribe or religion.
“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.”
“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!,” he added.
Earlier, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, also condemned the “hate speech.”
Atiku emphasised that the country’s rich diversity is the people’s “most cherished national asset and must be vigilantly protected.”
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
