By High Chief Peter Ameh
THE recent statement by Felix Morka, accusing Peter Obi of “crossing the line” and warning him of consequences, is a disturbing development that undermines the principles of democracy and freedom of expression. As a nation, we should be alarmed by such threats, which have no place in a democratic society. The implications of Morka’s statement are far-reaching, and we must condemn such actions in the strongest possible terms.
Peter Obi, as a prominent frontline opposition figure, has every right to express his views and criticise the government without fear of intimidation or retribution. His New Year message, which apparently triggered Morka’s outburst, was a legitimate exercise of his freedom of speech. By speaking truth to power and highlighting the nation’s drift towards authoritarianism, Obi was performing a vital function that is essential to Nigeria’s democratic survival. Opposition figures like Obi play a crucial role in holding the government accountable, and their voices should be encouraged and protected, not silenced or intimidated.
Morka’s statement, on the other hand, is a blatant attempt to silence Obi and stifle dissenting voices. By accusing Obi of “crossing the line,” Morka is implying that there are certain topics or criticisms that are off-limits, even for opposition figures. This is a dangerous precedent that undermines the principles of free speech and democratic accountability. In a democratic society, there should be no “lines” that cannot be crossed, no topics that are off-limits for discussion or criticism. The moment we start to impose such limits, we begin to erode the very foundations of democracy.
Furthermore, Morka’s warning of consequences against Obi is a thinly veiled threat that has no place in a democratic society. Such language is reminiscent of authoritarian regimes, where dissenting voices are silenced through intimidation and coercion. In a democratic society, disagreements are resolved through debate, dialogue, and the exchange of ideas, not through threats or intimidation. By issuing threats, Morka is undermining the democratic process and creating an atmosphere of fear and repression.
The implications of Morka’s statement go beyond the immediate threat to Peter Obi. They have far-reaching consequences for the entire democratic process in Nigeria. If opposition figures can be silenced or intimidated for speaking their minds, then the very foundations of democracy are undermined. The moment we start to stifle dissenting voices, we begin to create an atmosphere of repression, where only one view is tolerated, and alternative perspectives are suppressed.
The stark irony of the situation is palpable – if the All Progressives Congress (APC) had faced threats and intimidation during its time as an opposition party, it’s likely that the party wouldn’t have ascended to power. However, now that the APC is in power, it’s tragically clear that the party is deliberately attempting to undermine Nigeria’s democracy. The APC’s actions are a far cry from the principles of democracy, which emphasize the importance of opposition parties in holding the government accountable. Instead, the APC seems hell-bent on consolidating power and silencing dissenting voices, posing a significant threat to the very foundations of Nigeria’s democratic system.
Felix Morka’s statement against Peter Obi is a condemnable act that undermines the principles of democracy and freedom of expression. We should all stand in solidarity with Obi and reject such attempts at silencing dissenting voices. As a nation, we must uphold the values of democratic engagement, where opposing views are tolerated and respected, and where freedom of speech is protected and preserved. We must recognize that the survival of democracy depends on the ability of citizens to express themselves freely, without fear of intimidation or retribution. Anything less is a betrayal of the democratic ideals that our nation was founded upon.
•High Chief Peter Ameh is the National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) as well as the former National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC).
Eighteen-Eleven Media