Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has denounced recent threats made by Amaka Sunnberger, a Canadian resident, against Nigerians of Yoruba and Benin descent.
The controversy erupted after a video of Sunnberger, who spoke in Pidgin English, surfaced on social media platform X.com.
In the clip, she made derogatory remarks and threats against individuals from the Yoruba and Benin ethnic groups during a virtual session on TikTok.
In response to the video, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, identified the woman, and the House of Representatives demanded her immediate arrest.
On Friday morning, Obi took to his X account to denounce the hateful remarks, labeling them as detrimental to societal harmony.
He said that such divisive attitudes have no place in Nigerian society.
Obi urged Nigerians to focus on collective progress rather than letting tribalism and hatred drive a wedge between them.
He pointed out that tribal or religious intolerance does not address critical issues such as health, education, poverty, or infrastructure.
He further called for national unity and a focus on selecting leaders based on merit and integrity.
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.
“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!”
