The House of Representatives Committee on Nigeria/Canada Parliamentary Group has petitioned the Canadian Government through its Ambassador to Nigeria, James Christ, accusing a Nigerian resident in Canada, Amaka Patience Sunnberger of incitement to genocide against some ethnic groups in Nigeria.

The petition by the Chairman of the Parliamentary group, Hon. Biodun Omoleye said the viral video by the Lady was capable ot inciting violence and genocide in the country.

Sunnberger asked Igbos in the viral video to poison the Yoruba and Edo people, a statement the Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has denounced.

The petition reads: “On behalf of the Nigeria-Canada Parliamentary Friendship Group, we are writing to express our deep concern regarding the actions of Ms. Amaka Patience Sunnberger, a Nigerian citizen residing in Canada. Ms. Sunnberger has recently been recorded making inflammatory statements that incite violence against the Yoruba and Edo ethnic groups in Nigeria, including advocating for the poisoning of food and water supplies to achieve their mass genocide.

“Details of the Incident 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.

“Such rhetoric is dangerous and has the potential to incite real-world violence, both in Nigeria and within the Nigerian diaspora.”

It said further that Ms. Sunnberger’s actions violate Article 20(2) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which prohibits advocacy of national, racial, or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility, or violence.

The petition said further that her conduct also contravene article 4 of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) which mandates state parties to take effective measures against the dissemination of ideas based on racial superiority or hatred, including the incitement to genocide.

It also said that the promotion of genocide, as advocated by Ms. Sunnberger, directly violates Section 318 (1) of the Criminal Code of Canada, which criminalises the promotion or advocacy of genocide against any identifiable group.

“Her public incitement of hatred against the Yoruba and Edo people is prohibited under Section 319 (1), which criminalises the communication of statements in public that incite hatred against any identifiable group, where such incitement is likely to lead to a breach of the peace.

“Furthermore, her willful promotion of hatred through the advocacy of mass poisoning and genocide is punishable under Section 319 (2) of the Criminal Code.

“Section 264.1: Ms. Sunnberger’s threats to use poisoning as a method of killing also violate Section 264.1 of the Criminal Code, which prohibits the utterance of threats to cause death or bodily harm.

“Her hate speech violates Sections 1 and 13 (1) of the Ontario Human Rights Code, which protect individuals from discrimination and harassment on the basis of race and ethnicity. Her advocacy for the mass genocide of specific ethnic groups directly contravenes these protections.

“We urge that Ms. Sunnberger be prosecuted under the relevant sections of the Criminal Code of Canada to hold her accountable for her incitement to genocide and hate speech.

“We request that the Canadian government issue a public condemnation of Ms. Sunnberger’s actions to reaffirm Canada’s commitment to combatting hate speech, violence, and genocide.

“We also request that Canadian authorities collaborate with Nigerian authorities to prevent any potential escalation of violence because of Ms. Sunnberger’s incitement, and to ensure that justice is served. Conclusion Canada and Nigeria share a strong bilateral relationship founded on mutual respect for human rights and the rule of Law.

“The actions of Ms. Sunnberger threaten to undermine these values. We trust that you will take all necessary steps to address this issue in accordance with Canadian and international law. We look forward to your prompt action on this matter,” the petition stressed. (The Nation)

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