Peter Obi, the Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 election, has raised alarms over the increasing divisive rhetoric in Nigeria, specifically addressing recent genocidal threats against Igbos in Lagos. Obi is calling for a thorough investigation and decisive action by authorities to curb these threats.

Demand for Immediate Action

Obi highlighted the urgent need to address the growing tendency of some individuals to incite disunity. However, he emphasized that such acts threaten national cohesion and are fundamentally opposed to the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees the right of every citizen to live and work freely anywhere in the country.

Expressing his concerns on his X handle platform, Obi said, “I am deeply disturbed, reading some genocidal threats on X against the Igbo tribe, calling for their relocation. Let me respectfully warn that such rhetoric threatens our unity and is fundamentally opposed to our Constitution.”

He further stressed, “Those in authority must show leadership and urgently speak out against such divisive rhetoric. Immediate action should be taken to investigate, arrest, and prosecute those behind this heinous agenda, serving as a deterrent to others who might consider pursuing similar paths that threaten our national security and unity.”

Leadership and Unity

Furthermore, Obi stressed the importance of leadership in countering these divisive messages. He called on those in authority to speak out against such rhetoric and take immediate action to investigate, arrest, and prosecute those behind these threats. This, he believes, will serve as a deterrent to others who might consider similar actions.

“The government and security agencies must act swiftly to protect this fundamental principle and ensure that every Nigerian can live free from fear of discrimination or persecution,” Obi stated. He also urged all Nigerians to stand united against divisive rhetoric and champion unity, tolerance, and understanding.

“These challenging times in our polity call for all hands to be on deck to reset the country for development,” Obi noted. “Nobody is a better Nigerian than the other, and this should guide our interactions.”

Call for South-East Governors’ Collaboration

In a related message, Obi urged South-East governors to work together to address regional challenges and promote unity. Moreover, he believes that collaborative efforts are essential in resetting the country for development and ensuring that alienating utterances from misguided individuals are discouraged and stopped.

“South-East governors need to collaborate more closely,” Obi said. “Our unity is our strength, and together, we can tackle these challenges head-on. The safety and well-being of our people depend on it.”

Obi’s call for unity and decisive action against divisive rhetoric reflects his commitment to national cohesion and the protection of citizens’ rights. His message comes at a time when Nigeria faces significant challenges in maintaining national cohesion and security.

Source: Vanguard