The Obidient Movement, in a press statement signed by its national coordinator, Dr.Tanko Yunusa, on Monday, expressed concern over the comments made by Mr. Felix Morka, the APC National Publicity Secretary, on a live TV program on January 5, 2025.
Recall that Mr. Morkaโs statement indicated that โMr. Peter Obi has crossed the line so many times, and he has whatโs coming to him, and whatever he gets, he should manage it,โ a statement, the Obidient movement considered a direct threat to Mr. Obiโs life and the peace of the Nigerian state.
The statement reads further, โWe view this as not only an attack on Mr. Peter Obi but also a dangerous signal of Nigeriaโs descent into authoritarianism under the current administration.
โSuch a declaration from the spokesperson of the ruling party is unbecoming, and a endorsement of violence.
โMr. Peter Obiโs 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.
โHis 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.
โThe Nigerian Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of expression and the protection of life. It is unacceptable that a government sworn to uphold these principles now seeks to silence dissenting voices with threats.
โMr. Felix Morkaโs statement confirms what Mr. Peter 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.
โThis administration has chosen repression over dialogue, intimidation over engagement, and threats over democratic discourse.
โWe categorically state that if any harm befalls Mr. Peter Obi, his family, or anyone associated with him, the APC leadership should be held responsible. Nigerians and the international community must take note of this emerging pattern of repression and act to hold those in power accountable.
โThe Obedient Movement, however, resolves it 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.
โWe urge the security services not to 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 the polity. In addition, the government of the day should foster an environment of noble ideas to shape our national discourse and not threatsโ.
Source: (Daily Sun)