Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has condemned a threat made by Amaka Sunnberger, a woman based in Canada, against Nigerians of Yoruba and Benin descent.
The controversy arose after a video clip began circulating on X.com on Tuesday, featuring Sunnberger’s voice making anti-Yoruba and Benin remarks during a TikTok virtual meeting. Speaking primarily in Pidgin English, she threatened to poison individuals from these ethnic groups.
In response to the video, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, identified the woman, and the House of Representatives called for her immediate arrest.
On Friday morning, Obi addressed the situation through a series of posts on his X handle, denouncing the comments as divisive and asserting that such behaviour has no place in society. The former Governor of Anambra State urged Nigerians to unite and focus on tackling the nation’s challenges instead of allowing tribalism to create divisions.
He wrote, “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.
“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.
“What does a nation achieve through tribal or religious bigotry? Does it contribute positively to development by fixing our numerous health and education challenges and pulling people out of poverty? Does it reduce the price of bread, rice, garri, or yam on the market?
“Does it improve our transportation system or enhance the electricity supply? Does it ensure good governance? The answer is a resounding NO!! Our priority should be to move Nigeria forward, regardless of tribe or religion.”
Obi, therefore, called on Nigerians to shun tribalism and religious division and work together towards a new, prosperous, and united nation.
He added, “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!”
