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Marcel Ngogbehei, a prominent chieftain of the Labour Party (LP) and Director General of the party’s Directorate of Mobilization and Integration, has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and reprimand Felix Morka, the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), following his alleged threats against former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
Ngogbehei condemned Morka’s remarks, stating that they have gone beyond political rivalry and now pose a significant threat to Nigeria’s democracy, peace, and unity.
In an open letter to President Tinubu, Ngogbehei reminded the president of the freedom of expression he enjoyed during his time in opposition and questioned why Obi should be threatened merely for voicing his opinion about the state of the nation.
“With all due respect, I write to you in my capacity as the Director General of the Labour Party Directorate of Mobilization and Integration,” Ngogbehei wrote. “These statements, which target H.E. Peter Obi, a respected global figure and the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the last election, go beyond political rivalry and pose a direct threat to our democracy, peace, and unity.”
Ngogbehei emphasized that, as a leader who had benefited from Nigeria’s democratic system while in opposition, Tinubu should appreciate the crucial role of the opposition in promoting accountability and strengthening democracy. He further warned that Morka’s statements were not only a threat to Obi’s safety but also an affront to the principles of free speech, constructive criticism, and political pluralism.
The Labour Party leader urged President Tinubu to act within seven days to publicly caution Morka, stressing that a lack of action would send a troubling message to both Nigerians and the international community.
“Should Your Excellency choose not to act decisively by openly condemning Mr. Morka’s statements, it will send a troubling signal to Nigerians and the international community that your administration is either complicit in or indifferent to threats against democracy and political dissent,” Ngogbehei wrote.
Ngogbehei concluded by calling on Tinubu to publicly reaffirm his administration’s commitment to democratic values, peace, and stability, and to protect the right to free speech and political opposition.
