‘Have I really crossed the line?’ Obi queries, alleges threat to life
• Obidient Movement slams APC over threat on Obi
• Warns that no harm must befall Obi, family
Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has alleged a threat to his life following his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in his New Year message.
Obi, in a post on his X handle yesterday, asked if he has “really crossed the line” after allegedly receiving threats against his life, family, and associates following his New Year’s message.
His allegation follows a statement credited to the national spokesperson of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Felix Morka, in a recent interview. Morka was quoted to have said, “Peter Obi has crossed the line so many times and has it coming to him whatever he gets”.
Obi’s X post reads, “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.”
THE Obidient Movement has described the recent threat by Morka, on Obi as reckless and a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy. Obi contested the 2023 presidential election against APC’s Bola Tinubu and others.
Speaking on Arise TV on Sunday, Morka asserted that “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.”
Morka’s statement, the movement insists, constitutes a veiled threat to Obi’s life and safety, as well as an assault on the fundamental principles of democracy.
Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr Yunusa Tanko, in a statement, yesterday, raised critical questions about the legitimacy of such remarks, asking what line Obi crossed, and who set these boundaries. He also asked what specific actions or statements justify such ominous threats, and what exactly is ‘coming to him,’ as implied by the APC spokesman.
Such language, the group contended, reflects authoritarian tendencies and undermines the rule of law, which guarantees freedom of speech and protection from harm.
“His New Year address, which evaluated Nigeria’s current challenges while offering actionable solutions, was devoid of hate or incitement.
“The APC’s attack on Obi shows a disturbing trend of silencing opposition voices rather than engaging in meaningful debate,” the statement noted. The Movement issued a stern warning to the APC and its agents, declaring that they would be held directly responsible should any harm come to Obi, his family or supporters.
“This administration must know that democracy cannot thrive under threats and intimidation,” the statement emphasised. It, therefore, demanded immediate retraction and apology from Morka and the APC leadership, as well as an investigation by security agencies into the intent and implication of remarks.
While also demanding a commitment by the government to protect democratic values and promote constructive engagement over divisive rhetoric, the movement vowed not to be intimidated, stressing that Nigerians must resist the slide into dictatorship by demanding accountability and justice.
It stated, “We urge Nigerians to stand united and protect the gains of democracy. We also call on the international community to take note of this emerging pattern of repression and help safeguard Nigeria’s democratic institutions.”
The Obidient Movement called on the APC to discipline its spokespersons and adopt a more mature approach to political discourse, focusing on solutions rather than threats.
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