A Civil Society Organisation (CSO), Eastern Union (EU), that protects the interests of the old Eastern Nigeria, has criticised the ongoing demolition of markets and houses owned by non indigenes, especially the Ndigbo, in Lagos State.
They reminded Governor Sanwo Olu, that Lagos State is the beneficiary of the age long peaceful coexistence that has been enjoyed by Lagosians, irrespective of tribe, colour, religion or whatever.
In a strong worded statement, signed by its President, Hon. Charles C. Anike, over the weekend, Eastern Union urged Gov. Sanwo Olu to emulate and follow the footprints of his predecessors, which includes the incumbent President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who also ensured peace, love and unity amongst all the inhabitants of Lagos during his time as governor.
“Fact checks have shown that Gov. Sanwo Olu’s first and second tenure has been characterized by molestations and verifiable facts has a recorded height of intimidations, and harassment of non Yoruba indigenous Lagosians, especially the Ndigbos.
Furthermore, the Eastern Union noted that “Lagos State is often referred to as a mini Nigeria as well as Center for Excellence.
“The reason for such reference is not far fetched, because it is a verified fact that every family in Nigeria has a family member who resides in the state.
“This translates to mean there is no tribe, no family in Nigeria that does not have a person residing in Lagos.
“Lagos has accommodated and still accommodating every citizen of Nigeria and nationals of other countries of the World. Lagos indeed is a home for all.
“This situation has escalated continuously unabated, which in the minds of many illuminates that the Governor either encourages or feels comfortable with the ugly trends.
They alleged that under Gov. Sanwo Olu, Ndigbo who are indisputably highest contributors of the state Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) has wantomly lost their businesses, lost their Estates, lost their houses and above all lost their Peace and lives in the same state.
“Currently many Igbos are relocating out of the state due to intolerant attitude of the government officials under Gov. Sanwo Olu.
“And as we speak, many Ndigbo are living in constant fears of uncertainty and not knowing what the future holds for them in Lagos.
“At our last check, the conspiracies, harassment and frustration of lgbo businesses in Lagos cannot be found anywhere across the Country.
“This we understood got to its scandalous crescendo after the 2023 general elections.
“We are therefore appealing to the Governor of Lagos State and the President of The Federal Republic of Nigeria to look into the plight of Ndigbo and understand that every Nigerian citizen has the constitutional rights to reside in any part of the Country and also feel free to engage in any lawful business of choice.
“They also have the reserved inalienable rights of freedom of association as guaranteed in the constitution.
“Therefore, that Ndigbo voted their candidate of choice during the general elections should not warrant all these witch-hunt, bulling, discrimination, victimization and segregation.
“We therefore call on stakeholders in Lagos and Nigeria to take critical look at these issues and prevail on the Governor and his kitchen cabinet to rescind their plans and plots to further frustrate the Igbos by demolishing their plazas and business places at Trade Fair and other places.
They further alleged that demolition of houses and Igbo dominated markets has been the delight of Gov. Sanwo Olu since he came to power in 2019.
“Only God knows why he has so much hatred for lgbos, that makes him tow that line of vendetta on the Igbos that has been and still giving their all to the development of the state.
They therefore cautioned the Governor to do whatever he is doing with human face and with the fear of God.
“Ordinarily, in the normal circumstance
Ndigbo are supposed to be encouraged and supported for their very visible and undeniable role in transforming Lagos into an enviable modern city and not the other way round.
“Ndigbo on their own part should and must continue to be law abiding and lawful Citizens and must ensure they do due diligence before acquiring any land and embarking on any projects.
“From a reliable source, the underground plots to revoke and reclaim the lands of Ndigbo has gotten to us and this is totally unacceptable provided they followed due process in the acquisitions and the lands free from encumbrances ab initio,” the statement concluded.