Campaign to remove igbos from Lagos is ‘arrant nonsense’ it is ‘sheer stupidity’ – Bode George

Chief Bode George, a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party, has condemned recent calls for Igbo people to leave Lagos, labeling them as “arrant nonsense” and “sheer stupidity.” George criticized the campaign during an interactive media session at his Ikoyi office.

He argued that such calls are misguided and reflect a lack of understanding of Lagos’s inclusive culture. “Why should we ask the Igbo to leave? They have been part of our community, contributing and living alongside us. Those advocating this have no real ties to Lagos,” he said.

George emphasized Lagos’s welcoming attitude towards traders and residents, noting that the city supports and benefits from their contributions. He also reminisced about the historical connection between the Igbo and Lagos, recalling how Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Nigeria’s first President, was closely associated with Sir Herbert Macaulay, a key figure in Lagos’s history.

“Why are you targeting them? Does it make any sense? Lagos State has been around since 1967, and the Igbo have significantly contributed since then. To me, such a campaign is idiotic—very idiotic. It should stop,” George stated.

He suggested that those promoting such hate are not native to Lagos but rather individuals from neighboring states who have been welcomed into the city. “They should remain silent. If they have the right to be here, why deny others? The Igbo contribute significantly to Lagos’s development, buying and building property, and boosting economic activities. They are always welcome,” he added.

Recent social media campaigns, particularly in the context of the #EndBadGovernmentInNigeria protest, have called for Igbo people to leave Lagos. This noise drew a response from President Bola Tinubu, who condemned such ethnic sentiments in his Sunday morning national broadcast, stating that Nigeria has no place for such divisive attitudes.