Following the alleged threat to the life of the 2023 Labor Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, party leader, Marcel Ngogbehei has asked President Bola Tinubu to call the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Mr. Félix Morka at your service.
Ngogbehei, who is also director-general of the Labor Party's Directorate of Mobilization and Integration, said Morka's recent statement on Obi has gone beyond political rivalry and represents a direct threat to democracy, peace and unity of the country.
In an open letter, the LP leader, while reminding President Tinubu of the freedom of expression he enjoyed during his days as opposition, wondered why Mr Obi would be threatened for simply expressing his opinion on the state of the nation.
“With all due respect, I am writing to you in my capacity as Director General of the Labor Party's Mobilization and Integration Directorate.
“The Labor Party has remained firm and strong as the main opposition party in Nigeria and we wish to express grave concern over the recent careless and threatening comments made by Mr. Felix Morka, National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC). .
“These statements, directed against HE Peter Obi, a respected global figure and Labor Party presidential candidate in the last election, go beyond political rivalry and represent a direct threat to our democracy, peace and unity.
“Your Excellency, you are uniquely positioned to appreciate the importance of a vibrant opposition in a democratic system. His own political career is a testament to the critical role the opposition plays in ensuring accountability, fostering development and strengthening democracy.
“As a key opposition leader for many years, you and the APC were beneficiaries of the freedoms and protections provided by Nigeria's democratic system under then President Goodluck Jonathan, allowing you to challenge the status quo and ultimately rise to power,” the letter says.
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Furthermore, Ngogbehei noted that Morka's statements are not only a threat to Mr. Obi's life but also an affront to the values of freedom of expression, constructive criticism and political pluralism.
He said the remarks undermine the foundations of the country's democracy and suggest a dangerous trend toward the suppression of opposition voices in the political landscape.
“We therefore call on you, as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and leader of the ruling APC, to publicly warn and reprimand Mr. Felix Morka for his inflammatory statements within the next seven (7) days,” he noted. . .
The LP Chieftain said such public intervention is necessary to demonstrate the president's commitment to respecting democratic values, promoting peace and stability and upholding global democratic standards.
“If His Excellency decides not to act decisively by openly condemning Mr. Morka's statements, it will send a worrying signal to Nigerians and the international community that his administration is complicit or indifferent to threats against democracy and political dissent.
“Such a stance would contradict global principles of democratic governance and tarnish Nigeria's reputation as a nation striving to strengthen its democratic institutions.
“It is imperative that your administration distance itself from any rhetoric or actions that threaten free speech, repress opposition, or endanger the lives of political leaders. Leadership, Your Excellency, requires the courage to defend democracy not only with words but also with deeds.
“As a leader who has benefited greatly from Nigeria's democratic system, you are uniquely positioned to defend and protect the right to opposition and freedom of expression. By taking swift and public action to warn Mr. Felix Morka, you will reaffirm your administration's commitment to these values and set a precedent for political conduct in Nigeria.
“I trust in your wisdom and leadership to act in the best interests of our nation and ensure that our democracy remains strong, inclusive and resilient,” the letter adds.