The Igbo Leadership in the United Kingdom and Ireland has issued a plea to the Federal Government and Lagos State Governor Sanwo-Olu, urging fairness and consideration in dealing with Igbo residents in Lagos.
Eze Okwuchukwu Nwosu, Eze Isiobi Ndigbo 1 UK and Ireland, expressed concern in an open letter, lamenting the historical injustice faced by the Igbo nation in Nigeria since the country’s amalgamation in 1914.
Addressing the recent demolition of buildings in Lagos, Eze Nwosu raised objections, stating,
“Ndigbo legitimately bought empty lands and swampy areas in Lagos, and built their houses and other investments. They destroyed property of Ndigbo at Ladipo, Balogun, Alaba, Trade Fair, etc. This oppressive measure is being used against Igbos in Lagos with no justification.”
He highlighted the perceived hindrance to Igbo representation in the nation’s leadership, stating,
“Nigerians agreed that it should be the turn of the Igbo through rotational presidency. But PDP and APC never allowed it. Peter Obi emerged against all odds in the 2023 general elections. INEC ensured that votes did not count.”
“Two things must happen: to take Ndigbo as partners in decision-making of government in Nigeria or let us go. Ndigbo want one Nigeria. We are law-abiding. Allow us to do our trading because that is the only thing we can do since we are not allowed to preside over the affairs of this country.
“If you want Ndigbo to leave Lagos, let Federal Government peacefully quantify Igbo property in Lagos and settle the owners. Stop using the federal might to fight Ndigbo.
“There should be immediate compensation for Igbo property already destroyed. Let every Igbo man submit all their investments in Lagos, and get compensated so they can return to Alaigbo peacefully.
“It is our plea. Our investments across the federation can never be in vain. This is the last cry, or Igbo people will defend themselves again. We have seen the war; we lost almost five million people.”
| Vanguard
