The Obidient Movement has issued a strongly-worded statement condemning the recent attack on Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), and expressing grave concern over inflammatory remarks made by Felix Morka, the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
During an interview on Arise TV, Morka reportedly stated that Peter Obi had “crossed the line so many times and he has what’s coming to him, and whatever he gets, he should manage it.” This statement, according to the Obidient Movement, amounts to a direct threat to Peter Obi’s life and constitutes a serious danger to Nigeria’s peace and democratic stability.
In a detailed statement signed by Yunusa Tanko, the Obidient Movement decried Morka’s comments as reckless and an endorsement of violence. They warned that such remarks from a high-ranking spokesperson of the ruling party signaled a troubling shift toward authoritarianism under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The statement read, “This declaration is reckless, unacceptable, and a clear endorsement of violence. It sets a dangerous precedent that undermines democratic principles and promotes intimidation of political opponents.”
The Movement called for immediate clarification of Morka’s comments, demanding answers to pressing questions: What “line” did Peter Obi allegedly cross? Who determined this line, and under what authority? What specific actions or statements by Obi led to such a comment from the APC?
The Obidient Movement raised further concerns, asking, “What exactly does Felix Morka mean by ‘what’s coming to Peter Obi’? Such statements must not be taken lightly and should be thoroughly investigated to ensure accountability.”
They also accused the Tinubu administration of resorting to repressive tactics instead of constructive dialogue, using intimidation rather than engagement, and employing threats to suppress dissent. “This kind of rhetoric erodes trust in governance and risks plunging the country into political instability,” the group stated.
The Movement issued a stern warning, stating, “If any harm comes to Mr. Peter Obi, his family, or anyone associated with him, the Nigerian government and its agents will be held directly accountable.”
They further called on Nigerians and the international community to remain vigilant about what they described as a pattern of threats and intimidation emanating from the ruling party. They urged security agencies to prioritize a thorough investigation into Morka’s remarks, stressing the need for such matters not to be ignored as in previous incidents.
“We demand that the security services engage Mr. Morka to clarify his statement and ensure that his comments do not incite harm or unrest,” the group insisted.
The statement from the Obidient Movement follows Peter Obi’s recent public claims that his life is under threat due to his critical stance against President Tinubu’s administration. Obi has repeatedly raised alarms about what he perceives as targeted actions against him for speaking out against governance issues.
The Obidient Movement reiterated their commitment to upholding democratic values and called on Nigerians to stand united in condemning threats to freedom of speech and political expression. They concluded with a renewed appeal to security agencies to ensure the safety of all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations, and to hold public figures accountable for their statements.
