Igbo socio-cultural organisation, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo has reacted to the statement of Lagos State Police Commissioner, Hakeem Odumosu, where he alleged that some groups, inclusive of IPOB were planning to attack some parts of the state.
Njenje Media News recalls that the Lagos CP made the allegation during a Security Townhall Meeting at the Lagos State secretariat, Lagos.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide President-General, George Obiazor in a courtesy visit to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the Lagos HiuseHouse, Marina on Thursday urged the state chief executive to ignore the rumor of IPOB’s planned Lagos attack, saying the Igbo nation is renowned for being agents of development, not destruction.
Obiozor in the Town hall meeting attended by the governor said the threat of attack was an attempt to cause division,,crisis and conflict among the people and distract the state government from providing good governance for all residents of Lagos.
In the address tagged: “Violence in any part of Lagos State is violence on all of us”, the Ohanaeze leader said the Ndigbo would never indulge in any action that would disturb the harmony between the Igbo and Yoruba in a place like Lagos, a second home to many Igbo sons and daughters.
”Today, the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, in the company of Igbo Elders and Leaders in Lagos, are here to pay you a solidarity visit and to further reassure you that Ndigbo are not violent in nature, neither are we known for acts of violence anywhere we live.
”The constant and periodic dangerous insinuations, rumour, gossips and callous statements that Ndigbo in Lagos or any part of Yoruba land contemplate to instigate violence in Lagos or any part of Yoruba land is not true.
”We wish to state clearly that anywhere this dangerous rumour or statement is emanating from is aimed to cause division, crises and conflict amongst us.
”The quick denial of this rumour by members of IPOB and Yoruba groups in Lagos and across the South West was a source of relief,” Mr Obiozor said.
The leader of the Igbo apex socio-cultural organisation also commended Mr Sanwo-Olu for the exemplary leadership he exhibited at the peak of COVID-19 pandemic that ravaged Nigeria, especially in Lagos State.
According to him, the governor deserves commendation for controlling and restricting the spread of coronavirus with his quick response.
Mr Obiozor also reiterated Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s total support for Lagos State Government and the security agencies’ patriotic efforts to keep everyone safe in the state and throughout the country.
”I am aware that the government and good people of Lagos State under your able leadership, and through their hospitable gestures, have continually kept the trust and friendship between Ndigbo and our host communities in Lagos State alive.
”Ohanaeze Ndigbo through this medium reiterates total support to the state government and the security agencies in their patriotic efforts to keep everyone safe in Lagos and throughout the country.
”The Igbo nation is renowned for being agents of development, not destruction. Ndigbo are builders and their contributions to the development of Lagos State are evident and exemplary,” he said.
In his response, the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu said he had no doubt that the Ndigbo were great people and added that his government would continue to promote harmony between the different tribes and ethnic nationalities in the state.
