The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has condemned the threat made by a Canada-based woman, Amaka Sunnberger, against Nigerians of Yoruba and Benin people.
In a viral TikTok clip, Sunnberger could be seemingly heard threatening to kill Nigerians from certain ethnic groups.
She also purportedly encouraged her audience to poison the food of persons from certain tribes.
The clip sparked outrage amid calls for her to face the consequences.
On Wednesday, the House of Representatives committee on diaspora matters asked the Canadian government to prosecute Sunnberger for “hate speech”.
In a post on his X page, Obi, a former governor of Anambra, said Nigerians must “unite and focus on addressing our shared challenges, rather than allowing tribalism and hate to tear us apart”.
The former governor said tribal or religious bigotry cannot spur the country towards the path of positive development.
“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,” he said.
“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.
“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!”
Earlier, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar also condemned the threat against Yorubas and Benin descents.
In a series of tweets on Thursday, he stated that the ethnic slur underscores the imperative of uniting Nigerians and the nation.
The former Vice President also commended the House of Representatives and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission for their prompt action in addressing the development.
He wrote. “The contentious virtual chat room clip, wherein participants made threats of ethnic cleansing against the Yorubas and Benin people, is unequivocally condemned in all aspects.
“I am informed that the identities of those involved have been disclosed and that calls have been made to the pertinent law enforcement agencies in Canada to prosecute the offenders.
“In this regard, I commend the House of Representatives and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission for their prompt and decisive action in addressing this incendiary rhetoric and preempting further escalation.
“This disconcerting episode underscores, once again, the imperative of uniting our people and our nation. Our rich diversity is our most cherished national asset and must be vigilantly protected.”