The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, has condemned comments made by a Canada-based Nigerian woman, identified as Amaka Patience Sunnberger, who recently issued threats of poisoning to fellow Nigerians of Yoruba and Benin descent.
In a viral video clip shared on X social media platform on Tuesday, a woman’s voice was heard making anti-Yoruba and Benin comments during a virtual meeting on TikTok.
The lady who spoke mainly in Pidgin English, threatened to poison people from the two tribes, especially those in her workplace.
She said: “Record me very well; it’s time to start poisoning the Yoruba and the Benin. Put poison for all una food for work. Put poison for una water, make una dey kpai one by one”.
The woman, who claimed to be a resident of Ontario, Canada, said her actions comes from the amount of “hate” the Igbo tribe has had to endure from the other two tribes and vowed to stop at nothing, until she succeeds.
Reacting to this, Obi decried the manner the country has been divided along religious and ethnic lines and called for unity in diversity.
He noted that hatred and bigitoy will is in no way beneficial to the country and called on all Nigerians to come together and work for the growth and prosperity of the country.
Obi said, “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, education challenges, and pulling people out of poverty? Does it reduce the price of bread, rice, garri or yam in 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!.
Meanwhile, The House of Representatives on Wednesday, formally requested the Canadian government to investigate and prosecute Amaka Patience Sunnberger, following her threatening comments
In a letter signed by Biodun Omoleye and Tochukwu Chinedu Okere, the lawmakers expressed deep concern over Sunnberger’s comments, which constituted a direct threat to the lives and safety of millions of Nigerians living in Canada.