Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has expressed his deep concern and distress over serious threats made against the safety of his family following his New Year message. The message, which was shared to mark the beginning of the year, called for urgent and proactive measures to address the increasing suffering of Nigerians, with Obi highlighting the growing loss of hope among the citizens of the country. He urged for “vigorous, positive actions” to tackle the challenges faced by the people, emphasizing the need for national unity and leadership that listens to the people’s cries.
However, the New Year message did not sit well with some political figures, leading to a wave of backlash. One notable reaction came from the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Felix Morka, who accused Peter Obi of hypocrisy. Morka also alleged that Obi's message was an attempt to incite public outrage against the current government. Morka's criticism fueled the controversy, and soon after, threats began to surface, directed towards Peter Obi's family, which led the former presidential candidate to publicly cry out. The threats have intensified, with some individuals going as far as warning him that he had “crossed the line” with his message.
In the wake of these threats, Peter Obi took to his X (formerly Twitter) page to voice his concern and to ask whether he had truly “crossed the line” with his New Year message. He stated that while he had received numerous messages, it was a particular statement from Felix Morka that stood out, as Morka openly warned Obi about facing the consequences of his actions. This warning has only added to the anxiety that Obi feels about the threats now directed at him and his loved ones.
Peter Obi expressed his frustration with the situation, pointing out that he had merely shared a message to help raise awareness of the suffering Nigerians were facing and to urge for a positive change. He emphasized that he would not be silenced by these threats, as his commitment to speaking truthfully and promoting democratic values remains strong. Obi questioned the validity of the claims that he had “crossed the line,” challenging anyone to point out where he had done so, stating that his intent was not to cause harm but to speak out for the betterment of the nation. He shared his belief that the country was gradually transforming into a more authoritarian and repressive regime, where freedom of expression was being stifled and suppressed. He expressed hope that the situation would improve and that the country would once again embrace democratic practices that protected the rights and freedoms of its people.
Obi closed his message by praying for the future of Nigeria, calling for a better and freer society that would create a brighter future for the next generation. In his post, he included a heartfelt plea for divine intervention, hoping that God would help the nation create a society based on justice, liberty, and freedom, which he believes is essential for the country’s growth and prosperity. He ended with the phrase: “May God help us create a better and freer society for the sake of our children. -PO.”
