The Igbo Biafra Nationalists (IBN) have strongly criticized the Nigerian House of Representatives for its recent call to investigate Amaka Patience Sunnberger, a Nigerian-Canadian resident, over allegations of hate speech against Yoruba and Benin communities. Uche Mefor, the convener of the IBN, voiced his concerns during a press briefing in Owerri, where he addressed the controversy surrounding Amaka’s actions.
Mefor stated that while the IBN unequivocally condemns hate speech in all its forms, the current situation demands a broader understanding of the context in which Amaka’s remarks were made. He argued that her statements, which have come under scrutiny by Canadian authorities, should be seen as a reaction to what he described as systemic discrimination and state-sponsored hate speech against the Igbo people in Nigeria.
“The recent call by the Nigerian House of Representatives to investigate Amaka Patience Sunnberger, currently under scrutiny by Canadian authorities for alleged death threats and poisoning remarks directed at Yoruba and Edo communities, is both hypocritical and deceptive,” Mefor stated. “While her actions may be deemed ill-advised, they must be understood as a last resort in self-defense, prompted by the Nigerian government’s deliberate failure to prosecute past offenders of hate speech and ethnic slurs against the Igbo people.”
The IBN expressed support for the ongoing investigation by Canadian authorities but emphasized the importance of examining the broader context of Nigeria’s ethnic relations. Mefor pointed out that Amaka’s actions were not isolated incidents but rather a defensive response to the repeated ethnic hostility that the Igbo community has faced both within Nigeria and abroad.
“As Igbo-Biafra Nationalists and members of the Indigenous People of Igbo Nation for Self-Determination, we welcome the investigation by the Canadian police,” he continued. “We believe it is essential that this issue is thoroughly scrutinized, both within Canada and on an international scale, particularly considering the broader context involving Nigeria. We believe that if properly investigated, the hypocrisy of the Nigerian state against the Igbos would be laid bare to the global community.”
Mefor highlighted the systemic discrimination and targeted attacks on Igbo lives and properties, particularly in Lagos, which he claimed have gone unchecked. He criticized the Nigerian government for its inaction, citing instances where prominent figures, including politicians and traditional leaders, have either engaged in or endorsed hate speech and threats against the Igbo people without facing any repercussions.
“Despite our calls for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Lagos State Government to prosecute those responsible for promoting Igbophobia and for justice to be served to those behind the ‘Igbo-must-go’ campaign in Lagos, no meaningful action has been taken,” Mefor lamented. “This inaction reflects the Nigerian government’s tacit support for the ongoing attacks on the Igbo people. In this light, Amaka’s actions can be seen as a reactionary and defensive measure in the face of the Nigerian government’s unwillingness and inability to address these issues.”
The IBN’s statement also called on the Igbo community in Canada to stand in defense of Amaka Sunnberger, asserting her right to protect herself and other Igbos against what they perceive as a discriminatory campaign by the Nigerian government. Mefor argued that the House of Representatives’ call for Amaka’s prosecution or investigation is hypocritical, particularly given their failure to take action against other figures who have made similar or worse statements against the Igbo people.
“The House of Representatives’ call for Amaka’s prosecution or investigation reeks of hypocrisy and deceit, especially considering their failure to take any meaningful action against figures such as Mrs. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, MC Oluomo, the Oba of Lagos, Senator Bulkachuwa, and others, who have all either engaged in or endorsed hate speech and threats against Igbo lives,” Mefor concluded.
In their final remarks, the IBN urged the global Igbo community, especially those in Canada, to rally in support of Amaka Sunnberger and to challenge the perceived injustices faced by the Igbo people in Nigeria.
