Peter Obi: Atiku Puts APC’s Morka To Task

Former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar has sharply criticized the threat made by the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, towards Labour Party leader Peter Obi.

Atiku described the threat as a sign of a return to authoritarianism under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He also pointed out the government’s increasing pattern of attacking and detaining dissenting voices.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Atiku condemned the APC’s attitude toward democracy and free speech. He noted that Obi had never made statements that were contrary to the daily struggles faced by Nigerians due to the current government’s policies.

Atiku took to his social media to comment, saying, “The inflammatory remarks issued by the Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Felix Morka, directed at Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the last general election, serve as a disturbing emblem of the current administration’s unsettling strategy in addressing opposition figures. This threat against Obi, coupled with the prolonged detention of Mahdi Shehu, a prominent voice of dissent and others, signals a worrisome shift towards an authoritarian governance model, where the rights of opposition voices are being suffocated.”

Atiku also criticized Morka’s language, particularly the statement that Obi had “crossed the line,” which he felt was an expression of hostility and a threat to democracy. He continued, “Such language, rooted in hostility, has no place in a free society where civil discourse and engagement should reign supreme. A true democracy thrives on the healthy exchange of ideas, where the criticisms and contributions of opposition leaders, like Peter Obi, are seen as vital for the betterment of governance and the promotion of public accountability.”

Atiku then demanded that Morka clarify what he meant by his statement, urging the APC to apologize to Peter Obi. He stated, “It is not merely the right, but the solemn duty of a democratic government to listen attentively to the voices of its critics, to engage in meaningful dialogue, and to allow space for the articulation of alternative viewpoints. Instead, we are faced with a chilling threat that suggests Obi must ‘be ready for whatever comes his way.’ What, exactly, does Mr. Morka imply by this? It is imperative that the ruling party provides clarity on this disturbing insinuation.”

Atiku further condemned Morka’s comparison of Obi’s calls for constructive engagement to a Wild West scenario, calling it an offensive and reckless remark. He demanded a formal apology from the APC to both Peter Obi and the Nigerian people.

Atiku also reminded the public about the detention of social critic Mahdi Shehu, who has been imprisoned without clear charges, highlighting this as another example of the government’s disregard for freedom of expression. He urged Nigerians to speak out against such actions, warning that the stifling of dissent is harmful to democracy.

“The case of Mallam Shehu, languishing in detention without any clear explanation for his continued imprisonment, adds to the growing concern about the erosion of freedoms in Nigeria. If there is anyone who has truly ‘crossed the line,’ it is the Tinubu administration, whose continuous vilification of opposition figures as mere irritants to be crushed is a dangerous precedent,” Atiku concluded. He called for an end to the government’s repression of opposition voices, stressing that the country must protect the fundamental rights essential for democracy.

Send Us A Press Statement Advertise With Us Contact Us

 And For More Nigerian News Visit GWG.NG