Rita Odafe
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar expressed his disapproval of a viral tweet advocating for the forced relocation of Igbos from Lagos and other Southwest states between August 20 and August 30.
He urged the Federal government to take action by arresting and prosecuting those behind this call for the mass movement of Igbos from Lagos and other Southwest states.
Atiku emphasized that such inflammatory statements not only breed division but also pose a threat to our national peace and security. He pointed out the concerning lack of response following these divisive remarks made on social media, demanding that the instigators be held accountable to deter similar actions in the future.
In a statement, Atiku conveyed,
‘’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.
Reflecting on past tragedies triggered by hatred and intolerance, such as in Rwanda, Atiku stressed the importance of learning from history and taking swift and robust actions against those inciting ethnic animosity. He called upon the Nigerian government to thoroughly investigate, arrest, and prosecute individuals propagating ethnic discrimination and violence, emphasizing the significance of upholding the rule of law and delivering appropriate legal consequences.
He highlighted the strength of Nigeria’s diversity and emphasized the need to thwart any attempts to sow discord among the populace, citing Lagos and the Southwest as regions enriched by cultural diversity where all ethnic groups, including the Igbo community, contribute to collective progress.
Atiku called on all Nigerians to unite against divisive narratives and promote solidarity, tolerance, and empathy, underscoring that national unity and peaceful coexistence are pivotal to the nation’s future wellbeing. He urged prompt intervention from the government and security forces to safeguard the principle of non-discrimination and ensure every Nigerian can live free from fear of bias or persecution.
Expressing concern over the silence that followed the threatening rhetoric, Atiku pressed for immediate measures to apprehend, investigate, and prosecute those behind such harmful agendas, viewing it as essential to deter potential proponents of actions that jeopardize national security. -AA”’
