Victor EzejaCultural Credibility Development Initiative (CCDI) has expressed dismay over the recent hateful comments attributed to a Nigerian woman based in Canada.
The group said the woman identified as Amaka Patience Sunnberger, who threatened to poison Edo and Yoruba people in the north American country, may not be an Igbo person.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe woman had, in what looked like a group virtual meeting, threatened to poison people from Edo and Yoruba ethnic groups over attacks on her people in Nigeria.
The hateful comment has since sparked outrage with many calling for prosecution.
On 28th August 2024, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, wrote to the Mayor of Brampton, Canada, Patrick Brown, asking the Canadian authorities to investigate Sunnberger over her hateful comment.
Also, the House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora matters wrote to the Canadian High Commission in Nigeria on Wednesday, asking the Canadian government to investigate and prosecute Sunnberger for her action.
Also, the apex Igbo sociocultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has equally condemned such dangerous utterances.
According to a statement signed by CCDI President, Chief Bar Goddy Uwazurike (Ide) and Secretary, Pastor Steve Nwabuko, the group contended that the said “Amaka Patience Sunnbeger is a pseudonym, a fake name with a fake picture and a fake accent.”
The credibility group observed that the narrative could be something orchestrated by forces against Igbo people to instigate ethnic hate and cause skirmishes, especially in Edo State where the governorship election is about to take place.
The group berated security agencies for failure to take necessary steps in addressing acts of misinformation and disinformation against Igbo people Nigeria.
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The statement said: “Dear fellow Nigerians,
“We, the Igbo people, wish to address a pressing matter of great concern.
“Recently, a certain individual named Amaka Patience Sunnbeger , has been spreading harmful rhetoric, calling for violence against the Edo people and the Yorubas.
“We categorically disclaim and condemn these divisive and dangerous statements.
“The said Amaka Patience Sunnbeger is a pseudonym, a fake name with a fake picture and a fake accent.
“The author of the offensive melodrama is not an Igbo person . The Igbo syntax is missing.
“This is a continuation of the script against Igbo people.
“Till today, the ubiquitous security network has played deaf and dumb to the manifestation of disinformation and misinformation against Igbo people.”
The group maintained that Igbo, Edo and Yoruba people cannot be deceived by the agents of distabilisation.
“Today Nigerians have contested for positions and are unmolested in various parts of the world. Nobody raised the issue of tribalism and racism !!
“We want to assure the good people of Edo state and the Yorubas that we, the Igbo people, harbor no ill will towards them. We believe in the values of peace, unity, and mutual respect. We will not be swayed by those who seek to sow discord and chaos among our communities.
“It has become clear that this is a ploy by the gang to pitch ethnic groups against each other, particularly in the lead-up to the upcoming elections in Edo state. We have witnessed several groups calling for attacks on the peace-loving Igbo people of Nigeria, whose only focus is to work and live peacefully in the country.
“We believe that this deception is aimed at causing confusion and destabilization in the electoral process. We urge those involved in this deception to desist from further insulting the intelligence of our people and to cease their attempts to divide us.”
The group therefore called on Nigerians to stand together against hate and division.
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“Let us choose the path of understanding, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence. Let us work towards a united and prosperous Nigeria, where every citizen can live without fear of violence or persecution,” the group added.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
