By Habeeb Ibrahim
Former Vice President and PDP presidential candidate, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku, and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu have both condemned the recent call for a protest under the hashtag #IgboMustGo.
The controversial social media post demands the forced relocation of Igbo people from Lagos and other Southwest states. Both leaders have urged the Nigerian government to take immediate action to uphold the rule of law and maintain national unity.
In response to a disturbing social media post by the handle @Lagospedia on X (formerly Twitter), which called on Lagosians to prepare for a massive #IgboMustGo protest from August 20th to 30th, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has condemned the rhetoric, describing it as reckless and divisive. The post, shared on July 27, 2024, has since sparked widespread controversy and concern.
Sanwo-Olu’s media aide, Gboyega Akosile, released a statement late Thursday, reiterating that the Lagos State Government firmly distances itself from any such dangerous rhetoric. He emphasized that Lagos remains home to all Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic background.
“The governor and indeed, the 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,” the statement read.
Sanwo-Olu expressed his concerns that the post is not only reckless and divisive but also a calculated attempt to sow discord between the Yoruba in the Southwest and other ethnic groups, particularly those who have made Lagos their permanent home.
In a strong message to Lagosians, Sanwo-Olu appealed to residents not to allow any individual or group to create tension in the state. He called on security agencies to investigate those behind the inflammatory social media account 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,” Akosile added.
Sanwo-Olu’s condemnation follows that of Alhaji Abubakar Atiku, who earlier denounced the #IgboMustGo campaign as fundamentally opposed to Nigeria’s principles of unity and coexistence. Atiku warned of the dangers posed by such divisive rhetoric and called on the federal government to take swift action to investigate, arrest, and prosecute those responsible for inciting ethnic hatred.
“The recent call for a protest under the hashtag #IgboMustGo is deeply troubling and fundamentally opposed to the principles of unity and coexistence that define our nation,” Atiku stated.
Atiku highlighted the danger of such divisive rhetoric, noting that it not only threatens national peace and security but also contravenes the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees every citizen the right to live and work freely anywhere in the country. He drew parallels to historical instances of ethnic violence, such as the Rwandan genocide, underscoring the catastrophic consequences of unchecked hatred and bigotry.
“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,” he warned.
The former Vice President called on the Nigerian government and relevant authorities to take immediate and decisive action against those promoting ethnic discrimination and violence. He emphasized the necessity of investigating, arresting, and prosecuting individuals involved in inciting hatred, stressing that 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,” Atiku asserted.
Atiku also urged all Nigerians to stand united against this divisive rhetoric and to champion unity, tolerance, and understanding. He emphasized that the nation’s future depends on its ability to live and work together harmoniously, 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,” Atiku concluded.
