The Lagos State Government has firmly distanced itself from the #IgboMustGo protest scheduled from August 20 to 30, 2024.
The X handle @Lagospedia, which claims to be “proclaiming the virtues of Lagos,” called for the forced relocation of Igbos from the Southwest, describing the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest as an Igbo-led attack on Lagos State.
However, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has described the protest calls as reckless and an attempt to sow discord between the Yoruba people and other ethnic groups, particularly the Igbo who have made Lagos their home.
In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, on August 1, 2024, Governor Sanwo-Olu appealed to Lagosians to maintain peace and not allow any individual or group to create tension in the state.
He called on security agencies to investigate those behind the incitement and bring them to justice.
The statement reads, “The attention of Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been drawn to a post by LagosPedia, a social media handle on X (formerly Twitter) that calls on the Igbo to vacate Lagos and Southwest of Nigeria and brace up for a massive hashtag #IgboMustGo protest from 20th to 30th August 2024.
“The Governor of Lagos State and indeed, 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.
“Governor Sanwo-Olu views the post as not only reckless and divisive but an attempt to sow a seed of discord between the Yoruba in the Southwest and other tribes, especially those who have made Lagos their permanent place of abode. T
“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.”
Meteor Nigeria had reported that former Vice President of Nigeria and 2023 Peoples Democratic Party presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, also condemned the threats against Igbos in Lagos and other Southwest states.
On Thursday, Atiku expressed his concerns via his @X (formerly @Twitter) account, criticizing the protest call under the hashtag #IgboMustGo, which demands the forced relocation of Igbos from the region.
In his statement, Atiku emphasized the importance of national unity and coexistence, condemning the divisive rhetoric as a threat to peace and security.
He highlighted historical lessons of allowing hatred and bigotry to fester, referencing the Rwandan genocide as a stark warning.
“The recent call 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,” Atiku stated.
He called on the federal government and relevant authorities to take immediate and strong action against those inciting such hatred and division, urging all Nigerians to stand united against this rhetoric.
“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 said.
