Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has strongly denounced the anti-Yoruba remarks made by a Nigerian-Canadian woman. Describing the comments as “bigotry taken too far,” Obi stressed that such divisive rhetoric has no place in Nigerian society and should be universally condemned.
Earlier reports from Pulse Nigeria identified the woman as Amaka Patience Sunnberger, who allegedly threatened to poison Nigerians from the Southwest (Yorubas) and Edo State (Binis) due to their supposed “hate for the Igbos.” In a viral one-minute 50-second audio clip, Sunnberger expressed that it was time for Igbos to confront their detractors, labeling the Yorubas and Binis as “of no use to society.”
In response, Obi took to his X (formerly Twitter) account on Friday, August 30, to express his dismay. “I utterly condemn the reported hateful statement and actions attributed to a purported Igbo woman living in Canada against Yoruba or Benin people. Such divisive comments or behaviour have no place in our society,” he stated.
Obi questioned the purpose of tribal bigotry, emphasizing its ineffectiveness in addressing the nation’s pressing issues. “What does tribal bigotry achieve? Does it lift people out of poverty? Does it reduce the cost of bread, rice, garri, or yam in the market?” he asked.
Calling for unity and national development, Obi urged Nigerians to prioritize competence over tribal affiliations. “We don’t care about the tribe of the plane’s pilot or the bus driver; all we need is competent leadership that delivers results.”
He concluded by encouraging all Nigerians to “reject tribalism and embrace our shared humanity,” urging a collective effort towards building a prosperous and united Nigeria.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/
