F ormer Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly condemned the planned #IgboMustGo protest, which demands that individuals of South-East extraction living in Lagos and other South-West states return to the South-East. The protest is scheduled to take place from August 20 to 30.
Atiku, who was the presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general elections, described the protest as deeply troubling and contrary to Nigeria's principles of unity and coexistence. He responded to a post on X (formerly Twitter) by the pro-Lagos government handle @lagospedia, which urged stakeholders in Lagos and other South-West states to prepare for the demonstration. The post also issued a warning for Igbo individuals to leave the South-West and called for Yoruba citizens living in the South-East to return to their home region.
The post stated: “Lagosians and every South-West stakeholder should prepare for the massive protest of #IgboMustGo on the 20th-30th of August. They have one month from now to leave and relocate their businesses from all South-West states. We urge all Yorubas living in the South-East to return home.”
In his reaction, Atiku said: “The recent call for a protest under the hashtag #IgboMustGo is not only divisive but fundamentally opposed to the principles of unity and coexistence that define our nation. Such rhetoric endangers our peace and security and is inconsistent with the constitutional right of every Nigerian to live and work freely anywhere in the country.”
Atiku compared the situation to historical events, warning of the dangers of allowing hatred and bigotry to proliferate, referencing the consequences seen in Rwanda. He called for the Nigerian government and relevant authorities to take immediate and decisive action against those inciting hatred and division.
“It is imperative to investigate, arrest, and prosecute individuals promoting ethnic discrimination and violence. The rule of law must prevail, and those found guilty of incitement should face the full extent of legal consequences,” he added.
Atiku emphasized that Nigeria's strength lies in its diversity and urged Nigerians to resist any attempts to sow discord. He highlighted that Lagos and the South-West have been cultural melting pots where people from various backgrounds contribute to collective growth and development.
“The government and security agencies must act swiftly to protect this fundamental principle and ensure that every Nigerian can live free from fear of discrimination or persecution. The silence observed five days after this threat emerged is alarming. Immediate action is crucial to serve as a deterrent to others who might pursue similar divisive agendas,” Atiku concluded.
0 Comments