S am Amadi, former chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), has formally petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, regarding the publication of hate speeches by ‘Lagospedia’, a handle on the social media platform X.
Lagospedia, known for its pro-Lagos State stance, has recently escalated its dissemination of inflammatory posts targeting the Igbo community following the announcement of the imminent #EndBadGovernance protest. On July 27, the anonymous operator of the page initiated the hashtag #IgboMustGo, advocating for the expulsion of Igbo people from the southwest region.
“Lagosians and every Southwest stakeholder should prepare for the massive protest of #IgboMustGo on the 20th – 30th of August,” Lagospedia tweeted at 5:27 pm on July 27, 2024. “They have one month from now to leave and relocate their business from all southwest states. We urge all Yorubas living in the southeast to return home.”
The 1999 Constitution of Nigeria guarantees all Nigerians the freedom of movement and the right to reside, conduct business, and own property in any part of the country without discrimination based on tribe, ethnicity, or language.
Amadi, also a legal practitioner, has called on the police to investigate and prosecute individuals responsible for these inciteful posts. The five-page petition, made public through Amadi’s X handle @SamAmadi, highlights an established pattern of organized hate narratives, particularly during the last general election. The petition also names Bayo Onanuga, a special adviser to President Bola Tinubu on information and strategy, as a notable figure associated with these narratives.
The petition was dated and received by the IGP’s office on Wednesday, underscoring the urgency of addressing the rising tide of ethnic hatred and ensuring the protection of all citizens' constitutional rights.
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