A group of concerned citizens from Lagos State, under the banner of the De Renaissance Patriots Foundation, has raised strong objections to the nomination of Femi Pedro, the former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, for an Ambassadorial position. In a statement issued on Sunday, the group argued that Pedro should not represent Lagos on a national or international platform, as he is not a native of the state.
The controversy surrounding Pedro’s potential appointment has sparked a larger debate about the representation of Lagos indigenes in key political positions. The De Renaissance Patriots Foundation, a group focused on advocating for the rights and interests of the people of Lagos, emphasized that only true indigenes of the state should be appointed to such prestigious roles, particularly those that have the power to influence national and international affairs.
The group’s statement raised several key concerns about the growing trend of appointing non-indigenes to represent Lagos in crucial governmental capacities. They pointed out that Pedro, despite his tenure as the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, was not born in Lagos and should not be considered a true representative of the state’s people. This argument centers on the idea that an Ambassador should reflect the culture, values, and aspirations of the indigenous people of Lagos, and Pedro, as a non-indigene, could not fulfill this role effectively.
The De Renaissance Patriots Foundation argued, “The continued use of Lagos State’s constitutional quota for non-indigenes is both unjust and unacceptable. We must not allow a repeat of what happened with the recent ministerial appointment, where the true sons and daughters of Lagos State were sidelined in favour of outsiders.”
Their statement also pointed to what they described as a pattern of marginalization of Lagos indigenes in key political appointments. They referenced the recent ministerial appointment, in which, according to the group, indigenes of Lagos were overlooked in favor of individuals from outside the state. The group believes that such practices undermine the interests of Lagosians and do not reflect the rich cultural heritage of the state.
“The ambassadorship is a critical platform that should reflect the voice, interest and heritage of Lagos State and its indigenous people. We deserve authentic representation at all levels of government, particularly in appointments that are meant to serve the interests of our state,” the statement read.
Lagos State, the economic and commercial hub of Nigeria, has a diverse population, but the De Renaissance Patriots Foundation insists that it is crucial to maintain the state’s identity and heritage in positions of power. They argue that Lagos indigenes, who have lived the “Lagos experience,” should be the ones entrusted with representing the state in such influential roles.
The group’s concerns also extend to the wider political landscape of the state. They have called on political leaders, traditional rulers, community associations, and concerned citizens of Lagos to join in the fight for more equitable representation of indigenes. The foundation has also urged the Department of State Services (DSS) and other relevant authorities involved in screening ambassadorial nominees to reject Pedro’s nomination.
“We call on all Lagos-based political leaders, traditional rulers, community associations, and concerned citizens to rise in defense of our rights. We must demand that the Lagos State quota is reserved strictly for qualified indigenes, who have lived the Lagos experience and can genuinely represent our culture, values, and aspirations,” the group urged.
This development has ignited public debate, with some supporting the group’s position and others defending Pedro’s qualifications and his previous role as Deputy Governor. Supporters of Pedro’s nomination argue that his political experience and service to Lagos during his time as Deputy Governor should qualify him for the Ambassadorial position, regardless of his place of birth.
Pedro, who served as Deputy Governor from 2003 to 2007, was appointed as a trusted ally of the state’s leadership at the time. His tenure was marked by significant contributions to the administration of the state, and many argue that his work, rather than his origins, should be the determining factor for his suitability for the ambassadorship.
However, the De Renaissance Patriots Foundation and its supporters are unwavering in their stance, viewing the potential appointment as a symbolic victory for non-indigenes who they believe are continually given preferential treatment in government appointments. They argue that allowing non-indigenes to represent the state, especially in such high-profile positions, not only undermines the rights of Lagosians but also sets a dangerous precedent for the future of Lagos’ political representation.
The foundation also highlighted broader concerns about the representation of indigenous Nigerians in the national landscape. They expressed fears that political expediency and “gerrymandering” could result in a situation where the rights and interests of the people of Lagos are consistently sidelined in favor of those with political connections from outside the state.
“The Lagos people deserve to be heard. Our voices, values, and heritage should not be ignored in favor of political convenience,” the group concluded in its statement.
As the controversy over Pedro’s nomination continues to unfold, it is clear that the issue is part of a larger conversation about the representation of indigenous peoples in Nigeria’s political system. For many, the ongoing debate is a reminder of the importance of ensuring that local communities are properly represented in positions of power, especially in a state as influential as Lagos.
The next steps will depend on the response from Lagos-based political leaders, traditional rulers, and the general public. Whether the nomination of Femi Pedro as an Ambassador will proceed or be reconsidered remains to be seen, but for now, the De Renaissance Patriots Foundation has made it clear that it will continue to speak out for what it believes is the rightful representation of Lagosians in government.
