Prominent activist lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has raised concerns over the safety of Peter Obi, the former Labour Party presidential candidate.
Recall that Mr Obi had recently alleged that his life was threatened following his criticism of the Tinubu administration.
His concerns came after Felix Morka, the national spokesperson of the All Progressives Congress, APC, accused Mr Obi of frequently “crossing the line” and hinted that he might face consequences.
Reacting via his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Mr Adeyanju condemned any attempt to harm or persecute Obi for his outspoken criticism of the current administration, led by President Bola Tinubu.
Mr Adeyanju said: “I condemn the threat to HE Peter Obi’s life for being a vocal voice of opposition in Nigeria. No harm or persecution must come to him.
“Criticizing and holding the government accountable cannot be a crime but must be commended as the greatest sign of patriotism.”
Mr Adeyanju further lamented that Nigeria is sliding into what he described as a “full-blown dictatorship” and warned against the nation transforming into a one-party state.
Meanwhile, a chieftain of the Labour Part, Marcel Ngogbehei, has called on President Bola Tinubu to call Mr Morka to order.
Ngogbehei who is also the Director General, Labour Party Directorate of Mobilization and Integration said the recent statements from Mr Morka on Mr Obi has gone beyond political rivalry and pose a direct threat to the country’s democracy, peace, and unity.
In an open letter, the LP chieftain while reminding President Tinubu of the freedom of expression he enjoyed during his days as an opposition, wondered why Mr Obi would be threatened for just airing his opinion on the state of the nation.
“With all due respect, I write to you in my capacity as the Director General of the Labour Party Directorate of Mobilization and Integration.
“The Labour Party has stood firm and strong as the leading opposition party in Nigeria and we wish to express grave concern over the recent unguarded and threatening remarks made by Mr. Felix Morka, the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“These statements, which target H.E. Peter Obi, a respected global figure and the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the last election, go beyond political rivalry and pose a direct threat to our democracy, peace, and unity.
“Your Excellency, you are uniquely positioned to appreciate the significance of a vibrant opposition in a democratic system. Your own political career is a testament to the critical role opposition plays in ensuring accountability, fostering development, and strengthening democracy.
“As a key leader in the opposition for many years, you and the APC were beneficiaries of the freedoms and protections afforded by Nigeria’s democratic system under the then President Goodluck Jonathan, which allowed you to challenge the status quo and ultimately ascend to power”, the letter reads.
Furthermore, Mr Ngogbehei noted that the statements Mr Morka are not only a threat to the life of Mr Obi but also an affront to the values of free speech, constructive criticism, and political pluralism.
He said the statements 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 the leader of the ruling APC, to publicly caution and reprimand Mr. Felix Morka for his inflammatory statements within the next seven (7) days”, he noted.
The LP chieftain said such a public intervention is necessary to demonstrate the President’s commitment to respecting democratic values, promoting peace and stability, and upholding global democratic standards.
“Should Your Excellency choose not to act decisively by openly condemning Mr. Morka’s statements, it will send a troubling signal to Nigerians and the international community that your administration is either complicit in or indifferent to threats against democracy and political dissent.
“Such a stance would contradict the global tenets of democratic governance and tarnish Nigeria’s reputation as a nation striving to strengthen its democratic institutions.
“It is imperative for your administration to distance itself from any rhetoric or actions that threaten free speech, suppress opposition, or endanger the lives of political leaders. Leadership, Your Excellency, demands the courage to defend democracy not just in words but through action.
“As a leader who has greatly benefited from Nigeria’s democratic system, you are in a unique position to champion and protect the right to opposition and free speech. By taking swift and public action to caution 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 interest of our nation and to ensure that our democracy remains strong, inclusive, and resilient”, the letter added.
