Victor EzejaPresidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, has called on the Nigerian government to investigate and arrest those threatening Igbos to vacate Lagos and other Southwest states on certain date.
In a statement released on Thursday, the former vice president of Nigeria, said the call that was made via X with a hashtag #IgboMustGo, is opposed to the principles of unity and peaceful coexistence that define the country.
He pointed out that Nigeria’s Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to live and work freely anywhere in the country, adding that such call violates that.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelPrime Business Africa reports that an X handle with the user name Lagospedia had on Saturday, 27th July 2024, posted a statement calling for protest against Igbo people in Lagos.
It gave one month ultimatum for Igbo people to leave and reallocate their businesses from all South-west states.
The tweet read: “Lagosians and every S’west stakeholders should prepare for the massive protest of #lgboMustGo on the 20th – 30th of August. They have 1 month from now to leave and relocate their business from all S’West States.We urge all Yorubas living in the
S’East to return home. @Lagos_IBILE”
Atiku warned that such rhetoric is similar to what happened in Rwanda in the early 1990s that unfortunately led to genocide, adding that lessons must be learnt for the incident.
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He said: “The recent call on @X (formerly @twitter) for a protest under the hashtag #IgboMustGo, demanding the forced relocation of Igbo people from Lagos and other Southwest states, is deeply troubling and fundamentally opposed to the principles of unity and coexistence that define our nation.
“Such rhetoric is not only divisive but also endangers our peace and security, as our Constitution guarantees every Nigerian the right to live and work freely anywhere in the country.
“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.
Atiku bemoaned the authorities for doing noting about it days after the threat was issued.
He therefore called on relevant authorities to take immediate action by identifying and arresting the those inciting hatred against Igbo people to serve as deterrent to others.
He noted that the strength of Nigeria lies in its diversity and all efforts to divide it must be resisted.
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“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,” Atiku stated.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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