Following a post made by an X user with the handle @Lagospedia calling for a protest of the evacuation of Igbos with the hashtag #IgboMustGo, former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar and Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos state have both condemned the call.
In a statement on Thursday, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, noted that the recent call made on X platform (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, describing it as a genocidal threat to the Igbos
According to him, such rhetoric is not only divisive but also endangers the peace and security and the right of every Nigerian to live and work freely anywhere in the country as guaranteed under the Constitution of the country.
He noted that history has shown the consequences of allowing hatred and bigotry to fester, as seen in Rwanda, saying that what began with inflammatory rhetoric led to devastating outcomes.
“We must learn from these lessons and act decisively,” the former vice president stated.
He called on the Nigerian government and relevant authorities to take immediate and strong action against those inciting such hatred and division.
Atiku added: “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.”
Denying any involvement with individuals and handles promoting the hashtag #IgboMustGo on Twitter (now X), Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, through his media aide, Gboyega Akosile, stated on Thursday that Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos State Government wish to distance themselves from such “reckless, divisive, and dangerous rhetoric.”
He emphasized that Lagos remains home to every Nigerian citizen, regardless of their ethnic nationality.
Akosile further mentioned that the governor is urging security agencies to promptly investigate the individuals behind the handle and bring them to justice.
Pacesetter reports that the handler of the @Lagospedia X handle claimed stakeholders in the State were planning a protest between August 20 to August 30, issuing a one-month grace period for individuals and businesses from the Southeast to vacate the state.
The post has drawn different criticism as well as reactions from people, calling on the state government to probe the individual behind the handle.
Dr. Sam Amadi, a lawyer and former Chairman of Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission wrote a five-page petition to the Inspector General of Police, calling on the police to unmask the person behind the X handle.
Pacesetter/Tribune/Nairametrics