The House of Representatives has taken a significant step in addressing a pressing issue that has sparked widespread concern among the Nigerian community. In a letter written to the Canadian government, the lawmakers have implored the authorities to investigate a Nigerian citizen, Amaka Patience Sunnberger, based in Canada, over threats and hate speech against Nigerians of Yoruba and Benin ethnic groups.
The letter, signed by Biodun Omoleye and Tochukwu Chinedu Okere, expressed deep concern regarding Sunnberger’s actions, which have been deemed a direct threat to the lives and safety of millions of Nigerians. Sunnberger’s comments, made on social media, have been recorded and widely shared, inciting violence against the Yoruba and Edo ethnic groups in Nigeria, including advocating for the poisoning of food and water supplies to achieve mass genocide.
The lawmakers consider Sunnberger’s incitement to violence and call for genocide through poisoning to be deeply troubling and a clear violation of multiple international, Canadian, and Ontario laws. Her rhetoric has been deemed dangerous and has the potential to incite real-world violence, both in Nigeria and within the Nigerian diaspora.
In light of the seriousness of these violations, the lawmakers have respectfully requested the following actions from the Canadian government:
– An immediate and thorough investigation into Sunnberger’s actions by Canadian law enforcement and appropriate authorities
– Prosecution of Sunnberger under the relevant sections of the Criminal Code of Canada to hold her accountable for her incitement to genocide and hate speech
– A public condemnation of Sunnberger’s actions by the Canadian government to reaffirm Canada’s commitment to combatting hate speech, violence, and genocide
– Collaboration with Nigerian authorities to prevent any potential escalation of violence as a result of Sunnberger’s incitement, and to ensure that justice is served
The chairman of Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has also revealed Sunnberger’s identity and confirmed that a group of Nigerians in Canada are reporting her officially to the relevant authorities in Canada. Sunnberger’s TikTok account, where she made the threatening comments, has since been deleted.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage and concern among Nigerians, with many calling for Sunnberger to be held accountable for her actions. The Nigerian government’s swift response and request for international cooperation highlight the seriousness of the issue and the need for collective action in combating hate speech and violence.
