Nigerian lawmakers have formally petitioned the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency James Christoff, seeking immediate action against Amaka Patience Sunnberger, a Nigerian citizen residing in Canada.
The petition, signed by the Nigeria-Canada Parliamentary Friendship Group and the House Committee on Diaspora Matters, accuses Sunnberger of inciting genocide and promoting hate speech against the Yoruba and Edo ethnic groups.
The petition highlights that Sunnberger’s recent inflammatory statements, advocating for the mass poisoning of Yoruba and Edo communities, pose a significant threat to the lives and safety of millions of Nigerians.
The lawmakers argue that her actions not only violate international law but also breach several sections of Canadian federal law and Ontario’s Human Rights Code.
Specifically, the petition cites violations of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD).
It also points to breaches of the Criminal Code of Canada, including sections related to the promotion of genocide, public incitement of hatred, and utterance of threats to cause death or bodily harm.
The lawmakers have called for a thorough investigation by Canadian authorities, urging prosecution under relevant Canadian laws. They also request a public denouncement of Sunnberger’s actions by the Canadian government to reinforce its commitment to combating hate speech and violence.
Additionally, the petition seeks collaboration between Canadian and Nigerian authorities to prevent any potential escalation of violence as a result of Sunnberger’s incitement.
Rep. Biodun Omoleye, Chairman of the Nigeria-Canada Parliamentary Friendship Group, and Rep. Tochukwu Chinedu Okere, Chairman of the House Committee on Diaspora Matters, expressed their concerns over the impact of Sunnberger’s statements on Nigeria-Canada relations.
They emphasized the importance of upholding human rights and the rule of law, calling for swift action to address the issue in accordance with Canadian and international law.
Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator and a recipient of the D9112 Superstar Icon Award, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.
