Peter Obi and Atiku Lagos Must Go campaign
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Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi has condemned a campaign of violence against Igbo living in Lagos and other states in the South West of Nigeria.
A #IgboMustGo campaign recently emanated from a social media page, Lagospedia calling for the forced relocation of Igbo people from Lagos and other Southwest states from August 20 to 30, 2024.
Lagospedia in continued rhetoric for the exit of Igbos in Lagos state and other Southwest states on Thursday posted on its X handle that: “Lagosians and every S’West stakeholders should prepare for massive protest of #IgboMustGo from August 20 to 30.”
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The development has sparked out among Nigerians who said the development is capable of inciting violent and a threat to the country’s unity.
Reacting, in a statement issued on Thursday, Atiku, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 election, warned that 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, Atiku said, is not only divisive but also endangers peace and security, as the Constitution guarantees every Nigerian the right to live and work freely anywhere in the country.
The statement further read: “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.
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“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.”
Similarly in a statement on Friday, Peter Obi said the “genocidal threats” against the Igbo tribe were deeply disturbing and called on the authorities to take immediate action to arrest and prosecute its instigators.
“Let me pointedly warn that such rhetoric threatens our unity and is fundamentally opposed to our Constitution, which guarantees every Nigerian the right to live and work freely anywhere in the country.
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“Those in authority must show leadership and urgently speak out against such divisive rhetoric.
“Immediate action should be taken to investigate, arrest, and prosecute those behind this heinous agenda, serving as a deterrent to others who might consider pursuing similar paths that threaten our national security and unity,” the leading opposition figure said.
Obi urged all Nigerians to stand united against this divisive rhetoric and to champion unity, tolerance, and understanding.
“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.
“We must not allow our present challenges to drive wedges among us,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has condemned a post made by @Lagospedia on X (formerly Twitter) that called on the Igbo to vacate Lagos and the South-West.
Sanwo-Olu’s media aide, Gboyega Akosile, in a statement late Thursday, noted that the governor and indeed, the Lagos State Government “wish to distance themselves from the reckless, divisive and dangerous rhetoric, saying Lagos remains home to every Nigerian citizen regardless of their ethnic nationality.”
According to him, Sanwo-Olu views the post as not only reckless and divisive but also an attempt to sow a seed of discord between the Yoruba in the South-West and other tribes, “especially those who have made Lagos their permanent place of abode.”
“The governor appeals to Lagosians not to allow any person or group of individuals to create tensions in the state, calling on the security agencies to promptly investigate those behind the handle and bring them to justice.
“Mr Governor enjoins Lagosians to ignore the post and any post of that nature, promising to double his efforts towards ensuring lasting peace in the state,” Akosile said.
The governor’s message is coming hours after the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, called on the Federal Government to investigate and take action against those responsible for the hashtag “IgboMustGo” on X.
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