The Biafra Government in Exile (BGIE), led by Simon Ekpa, has reached out to the Canadian authorities to defend Amaka Sunnberger, following calls for her prosecution due to a controversial video in which she allegedly threatened violence against the Yoruba and Bini people of Edo State.

Sunnberger’s remarks, made in a viral TikTok video, triggered widespread outrage and concern, with the Nigerian government, through the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), taking swift action by petitioning the Mayor of Brampton to prosecute her for inciting violence.

In defense of Sunnberger, Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the BGIE, vowed to protect her and has acted on this promise.

The BGIE’s Director General of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Joy Robi, addressed a detailed letter to the Mayor of Brampton, calling for a review of the accusations leveled against Sunnberger and highlighting what the BGIE perceives as inaccuracies in NiDCOM’s claims.

This three-page letter, which Ekpa posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, argues that NiDCOM’s response to Sunnberger’s comments lacks context and overlooks the suffering of Biafrans, particularly those of the Igbo ethnic group.

According to the letter, many within the Nigerian government have made violent statements against the Biafran people without facing similar calls for prosecution, which Dr. Robi sees as a clear double standard.

The letter also presents Sunnberger’s alleged mental trauma as a significant factor in her comments.

It claims that she recently experienced an attempted kidnapping of her child in Canada, which severely impacted her psychological state.

According to the BGIE, Sunnberger’s outburst against the Yoruba and Edo people was an expression of deep emotional distress stemming from the continual persecution faced by the Biafran people in Nigeria.

The letter emphasizes that Biafrans, both at home and abroad, endure severe hardships and threats, which often go unrecognized by the Nigerian authorities.

Dr. Robi’s letter further criticizes NiDCOM’s Chair, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, suggesting that she hails from a “privileged” Nigerian tribe and has failed to acknowledge the widespread suffering endured by the Igbo population.

The letter claims that this privileged position has led to a one-sided understanding of the situation, dismissing the complex realities that Biafrans face daily, including ongoing violence and threats in Nigeria.

While acknowledging that Sunnberger’s comments may have been inappropriate, the BGIE argues that they were made under extreme emotional pressure and should not result in the loss of her job or further punishment.

The letter suggests that prosecuting Sunnberger would be unjust and would ignore the underlying issues of discrimination and violence against Biafrans.

Instead, the BGIE urges the Canadian authorities to view Sunnberger’s remarks in the broader context of the struggles faced by Biafrans and to dismiss NiDCOM’s request for prosecution.

The letter concludes with a strong appeal for compassion and understanding, stating that Sunnberger has contributed positively to her community in Canada and that the charges against her do not reflect her true character.

The BGIE reaffirmed their commitment to defending Sunnberger against any punitive actions, stating that they would not stand by if NiDCOM’s petition were to result in negative consequences for her.