News
Reps panel writes Canada, seeks prosecution of woman threatening to kill Nigerians
The house of representatives committee on diaspora matters has asked the Canadian government to prosecute one Amaka Patience Sunnberger for “hate speech”.
The request is contained in a letter jointly signed by Tochukwu Okere, chairman of the committee; and Biodun Omoleye, chairman of Nigeria-Canada Parliamentary Friendship Group.
In a viral TikTok clip, Sunnberger, a Canada-based woman, allegedly threatened to kill fellow Nigerians living in the North American country.
“Record me, it’s time to start poisoning the meals of the Yorubas and Benin people, poison their food and drinks at work so they can begin to die one by one,” she said.
In the letter dated August 28, 2024 and addressed to James Christoff, Canada’s high commissioner to Nigeria, the lawmakers said Sunnberger’s comments “are a direct threat to the lives and safety of millions of Nigerians”.
“On behalf of the Nigeria-Canada Parliamentary Friendship Group, we are writing to express our deep concern regarding the actions of Ms. Amaka Patience Sunberger, a Nigerian citizen residing in Canada,” the letter reads.
“Ms. Sunberger has recently been recorded making inflammatory statements that incite violence against the Yoruba and Edo ethnic groups in Nigeria, including advocating for the poisoning of food and water supplies to achieve their mass genocide.”
According to the lawmakers, the “incitement to violence and call for genocide through poisoning” are “deeply troubling and are a clear violation of international and Canadian laws such as national, racial, or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility, or violence”.
“Such rhetoric is dangerous and has the potential to incite real-world violence, both in Nigeria and within the Nigerian diaspora,” the legislators said.
THE REQUEST
The lawmakers demanded that an “immediate and thorough investigation” be conducted into Sunberger’s actions by Canadian law enforcement and appropriate authorities.
“We urge that Ms. Sunnberger be prosecuted under the relevant sections of the Criminal Code of Canada to hold her accountable for her incitement to genocide and hate speech,” the lawmakers said.
“We request that the Canadian government issue a public condemnation of Ms. Sunnberger’s actions to reaffirm Canada’s commitment to combatting hate speech, violence, and genocide.
“We also request that Canadian authorities collaborate with Nigerian authorities to prevent any potential escalation of violence because of Ms. Sunnberger’s incitement, and to ensure that justice is served.
“Canada and Nigeria share a strong bilateral relationship founded on mutual respect for human rights and the rule of law.
“The actions of Ms. Sunnberger threaten to undermine these values. We trust that you will take all necessary steps to address this issue in accordance with Canadian and international law.”
Forty-one persons have reportedly died in a boat accident that occurred in Gummi town in Gummi LGA of Zamfara state.
The boat, conveying over 50 passengers, capsized shortly after leaving the shore on Saturday.
Twelve passengers were rescued alive, while the remaining 41 drowned.
Suleiman Gummi, the lawmaker representing Gummi-Bukkuyum federal constituency in the house of representatives, commiserated with the families of the victims.
“I received with a rude shock the tragic news of a canoe capsizing accident in Gummi,” the lawmaker said in a statement.
“It’s indeed a very unfortunate and sad incident, but as people of faith, we have to submit to the will of Allah.
“We pray that Allah SWA grants eternal rest to the departed souls, the bereaved families the fortitude to bear this loss, and speedy recovery to the survivors who are traumatised by it.”
The latest boat accident in Zamfara highlights the worrying trend of repeated mishaps in Nigeria’s waterways.
On January 8, about eight people died in a boat accident that occurred in Anambra, while 20 people were killed in another boat mishap in Rivers state.
On January 15, over 100 people went missing in a boat mishap in Niger state.
In April, Junior Pope Odowodo, a Nollywood actor, and two others died during a boat mishap in Anambra state.
The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the appointment of four substantive commissioners of police for Lagos, Abia, Ebonyi, and Akwa Ibom commands.
In a statement on Friday, Ikechukwu Ani, PSC spokesperson, said the appointment is due to the vacancies created by promotion of some senior officers.
The new commissioners of police are
Isah Danladi Nda, for Abia command; Olarewaju Ishola Olawale for Lagos command; Anthonia Adaku Uche Anya fror Ebonyi command and Miller Gajere Dantawaye for Akwa Ibom command
Speaking on the posting, Hashimu Argungu, PSC chair, urged the new police commissioners to make positive impacts in the security management of their respective states.
Argungu asked the new commissioners to build efficient and effective police commands in their states.
The PSC spokesperson disclosed that the approval has been sent to Kayode Egbetokun, inspector-general of police, for implementation.
By this development, Dantawaye will replace Waheed Ayilara, the former commissioner of police in Akwa Ibom state, who died on August 29, 2024.
Ayilara reportedly died at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) from prostate cancer complications.
The federal government has declared September 16 as a public holiday to mark this year’s Eid-ul-Maulud celebration.
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, minister of interior, announced the holiday on Friday in a statement by Magdalene Ajani, permanent secretary of the ministry.
The Eid-ul-Maulud celebration is in commemoration of the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Tunji-Ojo congratulated all Muslims in the country and in the diaspora for witnessing this year’s occasion.
The minister, while congratulating the Muslim Ummah on the occasion, urged them to seize the opportunity to pray for lasting peace and a more equitable and prosperous nation.
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Bodex F. Hungbo, SPMIIM is a multiple award-winning Nigerian Digital Media Practitioner, Digital Strategist, PR consultant, Brand and Event Expert, Tv Presenter, Tier-A Blogger/Influencer, and a top cobbler in Nigeria.
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