The House of Representatives of Nigeria has formally requested the Canadian government to investigate and prosecute Amaka Patience Sunnberger, a Nigerian resident in Canada, for making threatening and inflammatory comments against Nigerians of Yoruba and Bini ethnic groups.
In a letter signed by Biodun Omoleye, Chairman of the Nigeria-Canada Parliamentary Friendship Group, and Tochukwu Chinedu Okere, Chairman of the House Committee on Diaspora Matters, the House expressed deep concern over Sunnberger’s remarks, which were made during a virtual meeting on TikTok. The video, which began circulating on X.com on Tuesday, featured a woman’s voice making anti-Yoruba comments and threatening to harm individuals from Yoruba and Bini communities by using poisonous substances at her workplace.
Sunnberger, who claimed to be residing in Ontario, Canada, justified her comments as a response to perceived “hate” against the Igbo ethnic group. She also dismissed any potential legal repercussions, citing her Canadian citizenship as a shield against arrest.
The House’s letter emphasized the seriousness of Sunnberger’s statements, which they described as a direct threat to the lives of millions of Nigerians. The lawmakers highlighted that her incitement to violence and calls for genocide through poisoning represent clear violations of international, Canadian, and Ontario laws.
The letter read: “Ms. Sunnberger’s recorded statements constitute a direct threat to the lives and safety of millions of Nigerians. Her incitement to violence and call for genocide through poisoning are not only deeply troubling but also represent a clear violation of multiple international, Canadian, and Ontario laws.”
The House of Representatives urged the Canadian government to take several actions, including:
1. **Investigation**: An immediate and thorough investigation into Sunnberger’s actions by Canadian law enforcement.
2. **Prosecution**: Legal action against Sunnberger under relevant Canadian laws for incitement to genocide and hate speech.
3. **Public Denouncement**: A public condemnation by the Canadian government of Sunnberger’s actions to reaffirm Canada’s stance against hate speech and violence.
4. **Collaboration with Nigerian Authorities**: Cooperation between Canadian and Nigerian authorities to prevent any potential escalation of violence resulting from Sunnberger’s incitement and to ensure justice is served.
The Nigerian lawmakers stressed the importance of addressing this issue promptly to prevent real-world violence both in Nigeria and among the Nigerian diaspora.
