'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - A member of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Aare (Hon.) Tolu Bankole, has strongly defended the party's National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, against allegations made by Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections.
In a press statement released on Monday, Bankole dismissed Obi's accusations as baseless and an attempt to undermine constructive political dialogue. Obi had alleged that Morka made threatening comments during a recent interview on Arise TV, which he claimed endangered his life, family, and associates.
Bankole, after reviewing the Arise TV interview in question, stated categorically that there was no evidence of a threat in Morka’s remarks. He emphasized that Morka's comments were professional and confined to the context of the criticisms directed at the APC and the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“It is the duty of the National Publicity Secretary to defend our government, our President, and the policies and programmes of the APC. Felix Morka has discharged this role with the utmost professionalism, maturity, and a commitment to truth. I know him to be a man of peace who would never threaten anyone's life,” Bankole said.
Bankole reiterated that the APC is a party of peace that has never promoted or encouraged violence. He criticized Obi's allegations as unfounded and potentially damaging to the democratic process.
“The APC remains a party of peace and has never, at any time, promoted or encouraged violence. The allegations made by Mr. Obi are not only unfounded but also serve to undermine constructive dialogue in our democracy,” Bankole noted.
Bankole further called on Obi to refrain from playing the victim and instead focus on providing constructive opposition grounded in facts. He also expressed concern about the behavior of Obi’s online supporters, who have been accused of engaging in bullying and issuing threats against critics.
“It is troubling that Mr. Obi, whose followers have gained notoriety for online bullying and issuing threats, would level such accusations while failing to address the toxic behaviors of his supporters,” he added.
Bankole expressed his unwavering support for Morka, commending his integrity and professionalism in handling his duties as the APC National Publicity Secretary. He emphasized that no amount of false accusations could derail the APC from its mission of delivering good governance to Nigerians.
“Felix Morka has my full support as he continues to perform his duties with integrity. Let it be known that no amount of false allegations can distract the APC from its mandate of delivering good governance to the Nigerian people,” Bankole concluded.
The controversy began after Peter Obi’s New Year message, which led to widespread reactions, including comments from Morka during a television interview. Obi accused Morka of issuing threats in response to his criticisms of the Tinubu administration, a claim Morka and the APC have vehemently denied.
The APC has urged Obi to withdraw his allegations and focus on constructive engagement as the ruling party remains steadfast in its commitment to building a peaceful and progressive Nigeria.
