Peter Obi raises alarm over threats to life

• Peter Obi, a former Labour Party presidential candidate, has expressed concerns about potential threats to his safety and that of his family

• Obi stated that threats emerged following his New Year statement, which critiqued Nigeria’s current situation and called for urgent action.

• Obi questioned if he crossed boundaries with his remarks, citing APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka’s threat of repercussions.

Former Labour Party presidential candidate for the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has expressed apprehensions regarding threats to his safety and that of his family.

Obi indicated that these threats arose in the wake of his New Year statement, which criticized the current situation in Nigeria and called for immediate action.

In a post on his X account on Monday, Obi questioned whether his comments had crossed any lines. He specifically referenced a threat from APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka, who accused him of overstepping and warned of serious consequences.

Obi invited anyone who believed he had made a mistake to bring it to his attention, reaffirming his dedication to honest and respectful discussions concerning Nigeria’s challenges.

He condemned what he characterized as an increasing suppression of freedom of expression in the country, cautioning against the rise of an authoritarian regime. Obi advocated for a more open and improved society for future generations.

In his New Year address, Obi criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its failure to tackle Nigeria’s escalating economic, political, and security crises. He called for “vigorous, positive actions” to restore hope among Nigerians, highlighting the nation’s status as one of the world’s poverty capitals and the decline of its GDP from Africa’s largest economy to the fourth-largest over the past decade.

Obi also noted the worsening security situation, which has resulted in a growing number of internally displaced persons (IDPs), and he urged for immediate solutions to address the nation’s challenges.

In response, Felix Morka defended the Tinubu administration, claiming it has made consistent progress in economic recovery. He pointed to improvements in foreign direct investment, foreign reserves, and a reduction in the debt servicing ratio as indicators of success.

This exchange underscores the political tensions in Nigeria as leaders and their supporters continue to engage in debates over solutions to the country’s urgent issues.

He wrote: “Have I really crossed the line? I ask the question because my New Year message has now led to threats against my life, my family, and those around me. While I have received all sorts of messages, one Mr. Felix Morka has gone further to accuse me of “crossing the line” and has warned that I will face the consequences.

If I have truly crossed the line, I invite anyone to point it out, as I remain committed to upholding decorum. However, I will not be silenced in my resolve to speak truthfully, especially as our nation continues to drift toward undemocratic practices.

We are increasingly transforming into an authoritarian and repressive regime, where freedom of expression is being systematically suppressed.

May God help us create a better and freer society for the sake of our children. -PO”