The National Publicity Secretary of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Barrister Felix Morka, has denied allegations that he threatened the life of the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, during a recent live television interview.
In a statement personally signed on Monday, Morka clarified that his response to a question during the program contained no threats of any kind.
Mr. Obi, in his New Year message, claimed that his life was under threat. He stated on his verified X account, “My New Year message has now led to threats to my life, my family, and those around me. While I have received all sorts of messages, one Mr. Felix Morka has gone further to accuse me of ‘crossing the line’ and has warned that I will face consequences.”
The allegation appears to stem from Morka’s comments during an interview on AriseTV’s THIS WEEK program on Saturday, January 4, 2025. However, Morka has categorically denied the accusation.
Addressing the issue, Morka insisted that his comments during the program neither contained nor implied any threat against Obi or anyone else. He provided a verbatim transcript of the relevant segment to substantiate his claim.
AriseTV: You have actually hit back with a volley of attacks, calling Peter Obi a prophet of doom. Some of you have said he is always embarking on voodoo economics that are not in line with current realities. Don’t you think that is a slingshot that has gone beyond normal politicking?
Morka: No, he is the one throwing darts. Mr. Obi is shooting from the hip. He is not looking, he is not taking aim; he just shoots wildly like what we used to see in movies back in the days in ‘Wild, Wild West.’ He is not being rational; he is absolutely irrational in his thinking and commentary for a man who was Governor for eight years and left nothing to remember in Anambra State by way of legacy or transformation. But all of a sudden, he served as Governor for eight years, and he didn’t have the wisdom or smartness to transform Anambra State into a beacon of governance in the country. But now, he runs for President in 2023, and after losing, he is sulking. Rather than reflect on what he did wrong to lose and improve for the future, he thinks he can bring down the government by being maliciously deceptive. That is wrong. I’m not someone to go on the offensive in that manner. But Mr. Obi has crossed the line so many times. And, I think that, at this point, he has coming to him whatever he gets. He should manage it.”
Morka explained that his comment, particularly the phrase “I’m not someone to go on the offensive in that manner. But Mr. Obi has crossed the line so many times. And, I think that, at this point, he has coming to him whatever he gets, he needs to manage it” was a specific response to the context of “prophet of doom” and “voodoo economics” referenced in the question. He reiterated that there was no threat implied or intended.
Also, Morka emphasized the importance of free speech while cautioning against the spread of misinformation.
“While everyone has a right to free speech, no one has the right to peddle misinformation or outright falsehood. The right to free speech granted by our country’s Constitution is not Mr. Obi’s exclusive privilege; it is a right available to all Nigerians, including myself,” Morka said.
Morka criticized Obi’s supporters, alleging they frequently resort to online harassment and intimidation against those with dissenting opinions. He also accused Obi of failing to rein in his followers.
“Obi must think himself to be Nigeria’s sacred cow—beyond reproach and endowed with the right to incite Nigerians against other political leaders who disagree with him,” Morka added.
He further accused Obi of inconsistency and opportunism, highlighting instances where Obi allegedly criticized policies implemented by the current administration, despite advocating similar measures during his presidential campaign.
Conclusion
Morka dismissed Obi’s allegations as false and malicious, accusing him of emotional blackmail. “By falsely claiming that I threatened his life, Mr. Obi has incited his supporters to issue death threats against me and my family. This is unacceptable.”
He urged Mr. Obi to embrace principled opposition and desist from spreading falsehoods, emphasizing that democracy thrives on accountability, truth, and constructive criticism.
