The Obidient Movement has expressed concern over what it describes as a reckless attack on the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi.
The movement was particularly concerned about recent comments made by Felix Morka, the All Progressives Congress, APC, National Publicity Secretary, on Arise TV on January 5, 2025.
The APC’s spokesperson had said that Obi has “crossed the line so many times and that he has what’s coming to him, and whatever he gets, he should manage it.”
The Obidient Movement, in a statement signed by Dr Yunusa Tanko, said it considered the comments a direct threat to Obi’s life and the peace of the Nigerian state.
The Obidient Movement said it views the statement as an attack on the vocal 2023 LP presidential candidate and a dangerous signal of the country’s descent into authoritarianism underTinubu’s administration.
“Such a declaration from the spokesperson of the ruling party is reckless, unbecoming, and a blatant endorsement of violence,” the statement added.
In the statement on Monday, the Obidient Movement demanded to know the line crossed by Peter Obi and who drew the line.
Obidient also said they want to know under what authority the line was drawn and the specific statements or actions of Obi that justify the statement coming from the ruling party.
The movement demanded to know, “What exactly is coming to Peter Obi?”
It accused the Tinubu administration of choosing 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 Nigerian government and its agents will be held directly responsible,” the statement said.
It also called on Nigerians and the international community to take note of the pattern the ruling party has allegedly adopted and hold those in power accountable.
“We urge the security services to not sweep such threats under the carpet as they have done in previous times but engage Mr Morka to elucidate on his utterance.”
Earlier, Peter Obi had cried out, alleging that his life was now threatened because of his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
THE OBIDIENTS MOVEMENT CONDEMNS APC’S RECKLESS THREATS AGAINST H.E. MR. PETER OBI
The Obidient Movement wishes to express its utmost displeasure and concern over the recent comments made by Mr. Felix Morka, the APC National Publicity Secretary, on Arise TV on January 5, 2025.
His statement that “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,” is considered a direct threat to Mr. Obi’s life, and the peace of the Nigerian state. 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 reckless, unbecoming, and a blatant 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. WHO DREW THE LINE, AND WHAT LINE DID HE CROSS? We demand answers to critical questions: 1. What line did Mr. Peter Obi cross? 2. Who drew this so-called line, and on what authority? 3. What specific statements or actions of his justify such an ominous threat? 4. What exactly is coming to him? 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. A DANGEROUS PRECEDENT 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 Nigerian government and its agents will be held directly responsible. Nigerians and the international community must take note of this emerging pattern of repression and act to hold those in power accountable. OUR RESOLVE The Obidient Movement 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. Finally, we urge the security services to not 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 to call to order their mouth piece and members at large to desist from actions that could heat up the polity. In addition, the government of the day should foster an environment of noble ideas to shape our national discourse and not threats. SIGNED: Dr Yunusa Tanko For: The Obidients Movement January 6, 2025
