Bring Amaka Sunnberger to justice now

To set the records straight. The deep-seated divisions and animosities among Nigeria’s various ethnic groups, including the Yorubas, Igbos, Hausas, and others, are rooted in a complex mix of historical, political, social, and economic factors. These tensions are not simply a matter of personal animosity; they have been shaped and exacerbated by a range of influences over time.

For instance, we cannot help but blame our colonial legacy for this venom. The divisions among Nigeria’s ethnic groups can be traced back to the colonial period when the British amalgamated diverse peoples into a single entity, Nigeria, without considering the deep cultural, linguistic, and religious differences among them. The colonial policy of “divide and rule” further entrenched these divisions, as the British often played one ethnic group against another to maintain control. This created a legacy of mistrust and competition among the various groups.

Again, post-independence politics has not helped matters. After Nigeria gained independence in 1960, political power struggles among the major ethnic groups—primarily the Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, and Igbo—fueled ethnic tensions. The pursuit of political dominance often led to exclusionary practices, favoritism, and the marginalization of minority groups. This competition for power and resources created resentment and a sense of injustice, leading to further divisions.

Another salt to this injury would be the civil war and its aftermath. The Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970), also known as the Biafran War, was a devastating conflict primarily between the Nigerian government and the secessionist state of Biafra, which was predominantly Igbo. The war left deep scars on the nation’s psyche, with lingering mistrust and animosity between the Igbos and other ethnic groups, particularly the Yorubas and Hausas. The war’s impact continues to influence inter-ethnic relations in Nigeria today.

Similarly, economic competition and inequality rife in the system will not go scot-free in this discourse. Nigeria’s wealth is unevenly distributed, with significant disparities in economic development between different regions. This economic inequality has often been along ethnic lines, with some groups feeling that they are being deprived of resources and opportunities. The competition for limited resources, such as land, jobs, and political appointments, has fueled ethnic tensions and rivalries.

Also is our cultural differences. Nigeria is home to over 250 ethnic groups, each with its own language, customs, and traditions. These cultural differences can sometimes lead to misunderstandings and stereotypes, which, when coupled with historical grievances, can foster prejudice and hostility.

Sadly political manipulation is one-size-fits-all reason, anyone can justifiably blame for this problem. Politicians have often exploited ethnic divisions for their own gain, using identity politics to mobilize support and marginalize opponents. This manipulation has deepened ethnic divisions and made it difficult for Nigerians to unite around a common national identity.

The media and social narratives have not help matters either. The media, both traditional and social, can sometimes amplify ethnic stereotypes and prejudices. Sensationalist reporting and social media echo chambers can exacerbate tensions by spreading misinformation and reinforcing negative perceptions of other groups.

Similarly, Nigeria’s identity as a nation is still evolving, and the absence of a strong, unifying national identity has made it easier for ethnic identities to take precedence. The lack of a shared vision or common goals has hindered efforts to foster unity and solidarity among the various ethnic groups.

But where do we go from here? Continue to kill ourselves? Or fuel the hate using social media because everyone can now air an opinion including toxic ones? No. Capital NO!

It is against this backdrop that CSR REPORTERS condemn STRONGLY the now viral Canada-based Nigerian, Amaka Patience Sunnberger, who was behind the recent threats to poison Yoruba and Benin people.

Authorities, including Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, are taking this matter seriously and have reported her to the relevant Canadian authorities.

Explicitly, the woman had said: “Record me very well; it’s 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”.

The woman vowed that she would take poisonous substances to her workplace and poison any Yoruba or Benin person she came across.

She claimed that her comment was in response to the “hate” against the Igbo. Some other voices could be heard, interjecting and prodding her.

“I want make Ndi Igbo get that heart of wickedness. Una too dey quiet,” the woman said, addressing other participants. “Enough is enough! If you have any means of kpaing them, kpai them commot for road.”

The woman said she was a resident of Ontario, Canada, and dared anyone to report her to the Canadian authorities.

“This is the picture of the lady behind the voice. Amaka Patience Sunnberger,” the chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa

“She has deleted her TikTok account, and a group of Nigerians in Canada are reporting her officially to the relevant authorities in Canada,” Dabiri-Erewa updated.

Yes indeed! it is imperative to denounce any form of hate speech or incitement to violence, regardless of its source or target. Mrs. Sunnberger viral video making inflammatory and anti-Yoruba comments, is deeply troubling. Such statements not only perpetuate division and hatred among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups but also pose a serious threat to societal harmony and peace.

Nowadays, actions of individuals can have far-reaching consequences. It is crucial that both the Nigerian and Canadian governments take swift and decisive action. The call to poison any ethnic group is not only a gross violation of ethical standards but also constitutes a criminal act that should not go unpunished. The propagation of hate speech, especially in a global platform like TikTok, is unacceptable and must be addressed with the full force of the law.

Therefore, CSR REPORTERS urges the Nigerian and Canadian governments to collaborate in identifying not just Mrs. Sunnberger but the likes in other Nigerian tribe extractions and to ensure that they are brought to justice for incendiary comments.

The rule of law must prevail, and those who seek to incite violence and hatred must be held accountable for their actions irrespective of their tribes and tongues. This has become one too many. Deterrence will serve as a strong message that such behaviour is intolerable and that all citizens have a responsibility to contribute to a peaceful and cohesive society. Act now!