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By Chinelo Obogo and From Idu Jude, Abuja
Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has raised the alarm over threats he said were made against him by the national spokesperson of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Felix Morka.
The leadership of the Obidient Movement also claimed that Mr. Peter Obi’s family and businesses were under attack.
Reacting to comments made by Morka during a television programme on January 5, where he said: “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,” the former Anambra governor said his New Year message has led to threats against his life, family, and those around him.
Writing on his X handle, Obi said if he had truly crossed the line as the APC spokesperson claimed, he invites anyone to point it out. He, however, stated that he would not be silenced in his resolve to speak truthfully as the nation continues to drift toward undemocratic practices.
“Have I truly 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.
“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,” Obi said.
The Obidient Movement, in a separate statement signed by its National Coordinator, Dr. Tanko Yunus, expressed concern over the comments made by the APC national publicity secretary on a live TV programme on January 5.
The statement by the Obidient Movement read in part: “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 unbecoming, and an 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.
“The 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.
“Mr. Felix Morka’s 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.
“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 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.
“The 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.
“We 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 threats.”
