- Atiku also queried the prolonged detention of Kaduna based social activist, Mahdi Shehu.
- Shehu was reportedly arrested by the DSS for sharing fake video of French troops in Nigeria.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has denounced the All Progressives Congress (APC) spokesman, Felix Morka, for his contentious remark about Peter Obi.
Atiku’s statement X released on Tuesday, addresses Morka’s comment, which sparked controversy during a Sunday interview with Arise TV.
Morka stated “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.”
In response to Morka’s comment, Obi alleged a threat to his life, family, and business interests after criticizing President Bola Tinubu’s administration in his New Year message.
Atiku condemned Morka’s “inflammatory remarks” as a symbol of the current administration’s strategy to silence opposition figures. The 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate expressed concern that the threat against Obi and another opposition figure, Mahdi Shehu, signals a shift towards authoritarian governance.
Atiku noted that Morka’s choice of words, particularly the suggestion that Obi has “crossed the line,” reveals a disdain for democratic principles. “Such language has no place in a free society where civil discourse and engagement should reign supreme.”
Atiku emphasized that a democratic government should listen to critics, engage in dialogue, and allow space for alternative viewpoints. Instead, Morka’s threat suggests Obi must “be ready for whatever comes his way.” Atiku demanded clarity from the ruling party on this insinuation.
Atiku also criticized Morka’s framing of Peter Obi’s calls for constructive engagement as a lawless Wild West scenario. He called for the APC to issue a formal apology to Obi and the Nigerian people for such language.
Atiku highlighted the case of Mallam Shehu, detained without explanation, as a concern for the erosion of freedoms in Nigeria. He argued that the Tinubu administration has crossed the line by vilifying opposition figures. Atiku urged the government to recalibrate its approach to dissent and opposition.
Atiku concluded, “The time has come to put an end to this stifling of voices that are crucial to the health of any functioning democracy.”
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