…Refuses to be silenced
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Former Anambra State Governor and the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the 2023, Mr Peter Obi, has raised the alarm that his life, family members and those around him, had come under threat after his New Year message where he criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Obi in a post on his X handle, alleged that the Spokesperson of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, accused him of crossing the red line, and threatened him (Obi) with consequences.
The LP presidential candidate regretted that “Nigeria is gradually transforming into an authoritarian and repressive regime.”
Obi, however, vowed never to succumb to intimidation, challenging those accusing him of crossing the red line to point out the red line he crossed.
He wrote: “Have I really crossed the line? I ask the question because my New Year message has now led to threats against my life, my family and those around me.
“While I have received all sorts of messages, one Mr Felix Morka has gone further to accuse me of ‘crossing the line’ and has warned that I will face the consequences.
“I find it necessary to share this message again and urge everyone who has not seen it to watch: “If I have truly crossed the line, I invite anyone to point it out, as I remain committed to upholding decorum.
‘’However, I will not be silenced in my resolve to speak truthfully, especially as our nation continues to drift toward undemocratic practices.
“We are increasingly transforming into an authoritarian and repressive regime where freedom of expression is being systematically suppressed. May God help us create a better and freer society for the sake of our children.”
In a related development, Spokesperson of the Obedient Movement, Dr Tanko Yunusa, also in a statement expressed worry over the threats issued by the APC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Felix Morka, against Obi.
He said the APC should be held responsible should anything untoward happened to Obi.
Yunusa said: “The comments were made by Mr. Felix Morka, the APC National Publicity Secretary, on Arise TV on January 5, 2025.
‘’His statement that ‘Mr. Peter Obi has crossed the line so many times and he has what’s coming to him, and whatever he gets, he should manage it,’ is considered a direct threat to Mr. Obi’s life and the peace of the Nigerian state.
“We view this as not only an attack on Mr. Peter Obi but also a dangerous signal of Nigeria’s descent into authoritarianism under the current administration.
“Such a declaration from the spokesperson of the ruling party is reckless, unbecoming, and a blatant endorsement of violence.
“Mr. Peter Obi’s commitment to Nigeria has been consistently demonstrated through his issue-based politics, his relentless pursuit of solutions to national challenges, and his respect for democratic principles.
“His New Year address, which critically evaluated the state of the nation and offered practical solutions, was devoid of personal attacks, hate or incitement. It was a message of hope and a call for decisive action to rescue Nigeria.
“Mr. Felix Morka’s statement confirms what Mr. Obi has repeatedly pointed out—that his life, his business, and all he represents are under coordinated attacks aimed at silencing his voice and that of his supporters at large.
“This administration has chosen repression over dialogue, intimidation over engagement, and threats over democratic discourse.
“We categorically state that if any harm befalls Mr. Peter Obi, his family, or anyone associated with him, the Nigerian government and its agents will be held directly responsible.
“Nigerians and the international community must take note of this emerging pattern of repression and act to hold those in power accountable.
“The Obidient Movement will not be cowed into silence. We stand firmly with Mr. Peter Obi and his vision for a just, equitable, and prosperous Nigeria.
“We call on Nigerians to resist this slide into authoritarianism by continuing to demand accountability, justice, and the protection of democratic values.
“Finally, we urge the security services to not sweep such threats under the carpet as they had done in previous times but engage Mr Morka to elucidate on his utterance.
“Furthermore, the ruling party should call to order their mouthpiece and members at large to desist from actions that could heat up the polity. In addition, the government of the day should foster an environment of noble ideas to shape our national discourse and not threats,’’ Tanko said further.
