The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has condemned the threat made by a Canada-based woman, Amaka Sunnberger, against Nigerians of Yoruba and Benin descent.
In a video clip which started trending on X.com on Tuesday, the woman’s voice was heard making anti-Yoruba and Benin comments during a virtual meeting on TikTok.
She spoke mainly in Pidgin English, threatening to poison Yoruba and Benin people.
Following the development, the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, revealed the identity of the woman, and the House of Representatives called for her immediate arrest.
However, in a post via his official X handle on Thursday, Atiku stated that the ethnic slur underscores the imperative of uniting Nigerians and the nation.
The former Vice President also commended the House of Representatives and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission for their prompt action in addressing the development.
He wrote. “The contentious virtual chat room clip, wherein participants made threats of ethnic cleansing against the Yorubas and Benin people, is unequivocally condemned in all aspects.
“I am informed that the identities of those involved have been disclosed and that calls have been made to the pertinent law enforcement agencies in Canada to prosecute the offenders.
“In this regard, I commend the House of Representatives and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission for their prompt and decisive action in addressing this incendiary rhetoric and preempting further escalation.
“This disconcerting episode underscores, once again, the imperative of uniting our people and our nation. Our rich diversity is our most cherished national asset and must be vigilantly protected.”
