ABUJA, January 6, 2025 – The Obidient Movement, a prominent political advocacy group, has strongly condemned recent remarks made by Mr. Felix Morka, the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing them as a direct threat to the safety of Mr. Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate.
In an interview on Arise TV on January 5, 2025, Mr. Morka stated, “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 Obidient Movement has called the statement reckless and an attack on Mr. Obi’s person, describing it as a potential threat to national peace.
In a statement signed by Dr. Yunusa Tanko on behalf of the movement, the group expressed its displeasure, accusing the APC of creating a hostile environment that undermines democratic values. They alleged that the remarks signal a growing trend of repression and authoritarianism under the current administration.
Demand for Answers
The movement posed several critical questions, including:
What line Mr. Obi is accused of crossing?
Who defined this “line” and under what authority?
What actions or statements of Mr. Obi justify such remarks?
The Obidient Movement emphasized that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of expression and protection of life, warning that no individual or political party has the authority to threaten these rights.
Alleged Intimidation
The statement by Dr. Tanko further alleged that Mr. Obi has been subjected to coordinated attacks on his life, business, and reputation as part of an effort to silence him and his supporters. The movement expressed concern that the APC-led government appears to favor intimidation over engagement, describing this as a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy.
Call for Accountability
The group has called on security agencies to investigate Mr. Morka’s remarks and ensure that such threats are not dismissed. It also urged the APC to caution its members against making inflammatory statements that could destabilize the political landscape.
The Obidient Movement reiterated its commitment to supporting Mr. Obi’s vision for a just and prosperous Nigeria and vowed not to be silenced. It urged Nigerians and the international community to take note of what it described as a rising pattern of repression and to hold the government accountable for upholding democratic principles.
Conclusion
The movement called on the government to foster an environment conducive to meaningful dialogue and the exchange of ideas, rather than one characterized by threats and intimidation.
This development adds to growing concerns over the tone of political discourse in Nigeria as the country continues to grapple with pressing economic and social challenges.
