- Nigeria’s House of Representatives has filed a formal petition to the Canadian High Commissioner in Abuja regarding Amaka Patience Sunnberger
- Sunnberger allegedly issued severe threats via TikTok Live, targeting Yoruba and Edo people and calling for violence and genocide
- The lawmakers, including Hon. Biodun Omoleye and Hon. Tochukwu Chinedu Okere, have demanded prompt action from Canadian authorities
Nigeria's House of Representatives has petitioned the Canadian High Commissioner in Abuja, calling for prompt action regarding Ms Amaka Patience Sunnberger, a Nigerian residing in Canada.
The lawmakers outlined the dangers posed by Sunnberger's statements, which could potentially incite violence both in Nigeria and among the Nigerian diaspora in the petition dated Wednesday, August 28.
"Her incitement to violence and call for genocide through poisoning are not only deeply troubling but also represent a clear violation of multiple laws," the petition read.
Sunnberger issues threat against Yoruba, Edo people
Addressed to His Excellency James Christoff, the High Commissioner of Canada to Nigeria, the Green Chamber petition was jointly endorsed by Hon. Biodun Omoleye, Chairman of the Nigeria-Canada Parliamentary Friendship Group, and Hon. Tochukwu Chinedu Okere, Chairman of the House Committee on Diaspora Matters.
Sunnberger took to TikTok Live, where she issued severe threats against the Yoruba and Edo people at her workplace, including calls for their widespread genocide through the poisoning of food and water supplies.
“Record me very very well. It is time, time to start poisoning the Yoruba and the Benin. Put poison for all una food for work, put poison for una water, make una dey kpai one by one. Una no go kpai one day o, una go sick sick sick,” Amaka stated.
NiDCOM chairman reacts, Nigerian lawmakers demand prompt action
Following the incident, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), posted a photo of the Canada-based Nigerian woman on X on August 28.
"This is the picture of the lady behind the voice. Amaka Patience Sunnberger. She has deleted her TikTok account and a group of Nigerians in Canada are reporting her officially to the relevant authorities in Canada. Thanks for alerting everyone," Abike Dabiri-Erewa stated.
Subsequently, the lawmakers expressed deep concern about the consequences of Sunnberger's comments, pointing out that her rhetoric jeopardises lives and violates several international, Canadian, and Ontario laws.
Nigerians react to genocide incitement
Nigerians have also shared their reactions to her statement on their X page (Formerly Twitter).
TheRadar compiled the reactions below:
“She needs to be arrested and prosecuted in Nigeria! And most importantly her brother in Finland 🇫🇮 will soon join their “saviour” in DSS custody!,” Henry MD stated.
“She thinks everywhere is lawless,” PatriotSentinel shared.
“She’s coming home, she’s coming home, tell the world she’s coming home,” Dotun commented.
“I am sure up until now, she will believe she is untouchable and unidentifiable. But on Social Media, nobody is invisible. The same social Media platform that gives you the platform for freedom of speech will also giving out your information to governments upon request,” Akanni expressed.
“She was not informed that Canadian government fit revoke her citizenship for such .. make she dey play,” Cben Cliton mentioned.
“I love this energy... please let keep it going..any tribe is not above the law when we're done with her please let find MC oluomo...after that the guy who talk about Igbo,” After Death reacted.
“I want her brought home to answer for her crimes,” Tino stated.
“Her hate finally consumed her, we all insult ourselves but when it got to her turn she decided her own is to kpai people,” Atoke stated.
Nigerians react as bill proposing single 6-Year term for president, governors passes 1st reading
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that a bill seeking to amend the 1999 constitution to allow presidents and governors to serve for a six-year single term has passed the first reading in the House of Representatives.
Some condemned the bill, and others believed that lawmakers should focus on other important issues.