Take action against promoters of #IgboMustGo campaigns in Lagos, South West, ex-VP Atiku tells Tinubu

By KEMI KASUMU

Adding his voice now in a way to indicate that plight of Lagos natives is getting national attention, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has charged the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government to arrest and prosecute promoters of genocidal threats against the Igbos living and earning their livelihoods in Lagos in particular and the South West in general.

The ethnic profiling against Igbo going on in Lagos and, by extension, across the Yoruba Land of South West may have finally caught national attention as former Nigeria’s Vice President Atiku Abubakar is calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to rise to the challenge and act.

Tinubu’s constituency is South West and any attempt to make any Nigerian feel unsafe in his own place especially Lagos State he claims to hail from will amount to breach of the provisions of the Constitution he swore on Monday May 29, 2023 to defend.

The Yoruba people involved in this unconstitutional campaign had tagged the nationwide #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests against the Igbo, saying it was attempt by Igbo to launch another destructive protect against Lagos they call “property of Yoruba people”, like they did during the EndSARS protest of 2020.

But owners and indigenes of Lagos State have distanced themselves from any ethnic profiling against any tribesmen either from Northern Nigeria or any of South East or South South resident and doing their legitimate businesses in their constitutionally granted state, adding that Lagos cannot be property of all Yoruba but patrimony of Lagos natives and them alone.

Saying the Igbo are not their problems that have deprived them access to their state political power since 1999 but fellow Yoruba from five other South West are, the Lagos indigenes have since corrected the notion of EndSARS 2020 saying it was a movement against police brutality and that the movement was constituted mainly by South West Yoruba people and members of other tribes.

They have remained resolute in making the world know the truth that there is no right indigenes of South West states like Ogun, Ekiti, Ondo, Oyo and Osun have in Lagos more than Igbo, which is living within the ambit of the constitutional provision of being able to reside and do business only, without harassment, but that in terms of ownership of land and control of political power, Lagos is property only of Lagos natives.

Adding his voice now in a way to indicate that plight of Lagos natives is getting national attention, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has charged the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government to arrest and prosecute promoters of genocidal threats against the Igbos living and earning their livelihoods in Lagos in particular and the South West in general.

In a statement he issued late on Thursday, Atiku said: “History has shown us the consequences of allowing hatred and bigotry to fester, as seen in Rwanda. What began with inflammatory rhetoric led to devastating outcomes. We must learn from these lessons and act decisively.

“I call on the Nigerian government and relevant authorities to take immediate and strong action against those inciting such hatred and division. It is imperative to investigate, arrest, and prosecute individuals promoting ethnic discrimination and violence.

“The rule of law must prevail, and those found guilty of incitement should face the full extent of legal consequences.

“Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity, and we must resist any efforts to sow discord among our people.

“Lagos and the Southwest have long been melting pots of cultures where individuals from various backgrounds contribute to our collective growth and development.

“The Igbo community, along with all other ethnic groups, is an integral part of this vibrant mosaic.

“I urge all Nigerians to stand united against this divisive rhetoric and to champion unity, tolerance, and understanding. Our future depends on our ability to live and work together harmoniously.

“The government and security agencies must act swiftly to protect this fundamental principle and ensure that every Nigerian can live free from fear of discrimination or persecution.

“It is alarming that, five days after this threat emerged, there has been a troubling silence. Immediate action to arrest, investigate, and prosecute those behind this heinous agenda is crucial.

“This will serve as a deterrent to others who might consider pursuing similar paths that threaten our national Security.