A recent statement by Felix Morka, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) National Publicity Secretary, has continued to spark widespread concern and condemnation. Morka’s accusation that Peter Obi has “crossed the line” and his warning of consequences has been deemed a disturbing development that undermines the principles of democracy and freedom of expression.

As a prominent frontline opposition figure, Peter Obi has every right to express his views and criticize 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.

Morka’s statement is a blatant attempt to silence Obi and stifle dissenting voices. The accusation that Obi has “crossed the line” implies 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.

The implications of Morka’s statement are far-reaching and have significant 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. This creates an atmosphere of repression, where only one view is tolerated, and alternative perspectives are suppressed.

High Chief Peter Ameh, National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), has condemned Morka’s statement, emphasizing that it is a betrayal of the democratic ideals that Nigeria was founded upon. Ameh called on Nigerians to stand in solidarity with Obi and reject attempts to silence dissenting voices.

“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. issuing such 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.”

He added that “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 to silence 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.”

As a nation, it is essential that we uphold the values of democratic engagement, where opposing views are tolerated and respected, and where freedom of speech is protected and preserved.

The survival of democracy depends on the ability of citizens to express themselves freely, without fear of intimidation or retribution.

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