Igbo-Must-Go threats: Ohanaeze condemns ethnic profiling, commends Obasanjo, Sanwo-Olu, others
…Urges security agencies to arrest, prosecute perpetrators
By Sodiq Adelakun
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has strongly condemned the recent “Igbo-Must-Go” threats and ethnic profiling against Igbos in Lagos State. The group praised former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Afenifere for their stance on the issue.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Chiedozie Ogbonnia, on Sunday, the group expressed alarm over the orchestrated hate speech and inflammatory rhetoric targeting Igbos.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo notes with grave concern the reckless, provocative, divisive, instigative, and inflammatory dispositions towards the Igbos in Lagos State,” Ogbonnia said.
The group condemned the “#IgboMustGo” hashtag and threats from some individuals aiming to forcibly relocate Igbos from Lagos and other South-West states.
“We are alarmed by the audacity of those behind this misadventure and their desperation to instigate violence against innocent Igbo people,” Ogbonnia added.
Ohanaeze commended Obasanjo for his remarks on the issue, asserting that those advocating for Igbos to leave Lagos will themselves be the ones to go.
“We appreciate Chief Obasanjo’s stand on this matter and his commitment to the unity and prosperity of Nigeria,” Ogbonnia noted.
The group also lauded Governor Sanwo-Olu for distancing himself from the “Igbo-Must-Go” movement and Afenifere for urging that all Nigerians living legitimately in Yorubaland need not fear for their safety.
“We commend Governor Sanwo-Olu for his prompt response to this issue and his commitment to protecting the rights of all citizens in Lagos State,” Ogbonnia said. “We also appreciate Afenifere’s stand on this matter and their commitment to promoting peace and harmony in Yorubaland.”
Ohanaeze reiterated that Igbos have the right to live and do business anywhere in Nigeria, including Lagos State, and called on authorities to safeguard these rights.
“We will continue to condemn any form of ethnic profiling, hate speech, and inflammatory rhetoric against any group,” Ogbonnia emphasised.
The group urged security agencies to take immediate action against those behind the “Igbo-Must-Go” threats and ensure that the perpetrators face justice. “We will not tolerate any form of violence or intimidation against the Igbos or any other group in Nigeria,” Ogbonnia concluded.
