The Nigerian House of Representatives has called on Canada to take swift action against Amaka Patience Sunnberger, a Nigerian citizen living in Canada, for incitement to genocide and hate speech targeting the Yoruba and Edo ethnic groups.
In a letter titled ” Petition Against Amaka Patience Sunnberger for Incitement to Genocide and Hate Speech Against Yoruba and Edo Ethnic Groups” and addressed to the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, James Christoff, Nigerian lawmakers expressed deep concern over Sunnberger’s recent recorded statements advocating violence and genocide against these communities, including calls to poison food and water supplies.
The House representatives emphasized that Sunnberger’s remarks pose a serious threat to the safety of millions of Nigerians and violate both international and Canadian laws.
They urged Canadian authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly, prosecute Sunnberger under the relevant sections of the Criminal Code, and publicly condemn her actions. The Nigerian government also requested cooperation between Canadian and Nigerian authorities to prevent any potential escalation of violence stemming from these inflammatory statements.
The letter reads, “On behalf of the Nigeria-Canada Parliamentary Friendship Group and the House Committee on Diaspora Matters, 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.
Violation oflnternational, Canadian, and Ontario Laws
1. International Law Violations
– International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) -Article 20(2):
Ms. Sunnberger’s actions violate Article 20(2) of the ICCPR, which prohibits advocacy of national, racial, or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility, or violence.
– International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) – Article 4:
Her conduct also contravenes Article 4 of JCERD, which mandates state parties to take effective measures against the dissemination of ideas based on racial superiority or hatred, including the incitement to genocide.
2. Canadian Federal Law Violations
– Criminal Code of Canada – Section 318 (1):
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.
– Criminal Code of Canada – Section 319 (1):
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.
– Criminal Code of Canada – Section 319 (2):
Furthermore; her willful promotion of hatred through the advocacy of mass poisoning and genocide is punishable under Section 319 (2) of the Criminal Code.
– Criminal Code of Canada – 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.
3. Ontario Law Violations
– Ontario Human Rights Code – Sections 1 & 13(1):
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.
Request for Immediate Action
In light of the seriousness of these violations, we respectfully request the following actions:
1. Investigation: An immediate and thorough investigation should be conducted into Ms. Sunnberger’s actions by Canadian law enforcement and appropriate authorities.
2. Prosecution: 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.
3. Public Denouncement: We request that the Canadian government issue a public condemnation of Ms. Sunnberger’s actions to reaffirm Canada’s commitment to com batting hate speech, violence, and genocide.
4. Collaboration with Nigerian Authorities: We also request that Canadian authorities collaborate with Nigerian authorities to prevent any potential escalation of violence as a result 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. Yours sincerely,
Rep. Biodun Omoleye
Chairman, Nigeria-Canada Parliamentary Friendship Group
Rep. Tochukwu Chinedu Okere
Chairman, House Committee on Diaspora Matters