A former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has condemned the controversial threat to poison people of Southwest and Edo state by a Nigerian woman based in Canada, Amaka Patience Sunnberger.

Obi, a former Governor of Anambra State in the South-East region of Nigeria, a region Sunnberger is believed to hail from, said that bigotry, divisive comments and behaviours have no place in Nigeria and cannot be tolerated.

Sunnberger, based in Ontario, Canada, had appeared in a disturbing video calling for the killing of South-Westerners and the people of Benin, the Edo State capital through poisoning.

Sunnberger, who made the call in a TikTok video, vowed to start poisoning the food and water of Yoruba and Benin people at her place of work.

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Speaking in Pidgin English, she urged people of the South-East region, popularly known as Igbos to develop a cold heart and start poisoning Yoruba people of the South-West and Benin of the South-South.

But Obi in a series of posts on his social media account on Friday condemned the threat, saying that a nation does not achieve anything through tribal or religious bigotry as it does not contribute positively to the country’s development.

He 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!”

Last updated on September 13th, 2024 at 09:13 pm