Abia State State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, has visited his Lagos State counterpart, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, where he declared that criminals who carried out the last month’s coordinated attacks on public assets and private businesses in Lagos State orchestrated the violence to hurt the whole country.
Ikpeazu condemned the arson, noting that Lagos remains a home for all Nigerians irrespective of tribe, language or religion.
He particularly thanked Sanwo-Olu for protecting the businesses and properties owned by Igbo during the violence.
READ ALSO:
Senate Committee on Army Kicks Against Rehabilitation Of Repentant Terrorists in Nigeria
According to him, “I am here to commiserate and show my concern to my brother, governor of Lagos State, over the event that happened some two weeks ago.
“I’m particularly touched by the level of destruction, which will hurt all Nigerians living in Lagos. This is because Lagos is home to all – commercial city, it is a place where everyone speaks the same language.
“I want to particularly thank Governor Sanwo-Olu for giving protection to our brothers from the South-east during the crisis. This is an indication that our people and their businesses are safe in Lagos. We will continue to live as a united country. With all of us working together, we can keep flourishing.”
Ikpeazu urged Igbo living in Lagos to continue to abide by the laws of the state and eschew actions that may cause mistrust between them and members of their host communities.
He said the political leaders had drawn a number of lessons from the recent youth protests against police brutality, saying governors were now inclined to drive up inclusion in their policies and programmes.
In his remarks, Sanwo-Olu appreciated Ikpeazu for taking the pain to travel down to Lagos from the South-east to identify with the residents over the violence. He promised that Lagos State Government would continue to support business aspirations of the Igbo and protect their rights to live in Lagos.
In a related development, indigenes of South-east and South-south living in Lagos have paid solidarity visit to Sanwo-Olu at the Lagos House in Alausa.
The Igbo leaders, who were led by the governor’s Special Adviser on Drainage and Water Resources, Joe Igbokwe, restated their commitment to the growth of Lagos, while aligning with the move to rebuild the destroyed assets.
READ ALSO:
Court Remands Ladies Accused of Murder Attempt on Osun Governor
Igbokwe said a true Igbo son could not have been part of those who set fire on the public assets, adding that Igbo people are known as builders.
“The attacks are unimaginable in terms of cost and worth. There is nothing that can make a true son of Igbo to participate in destruction of the land where our businesses have been most successful.
“There is an adage that says you cannot go and pass faeces where they put your food. We pledge our loyalty and stand by the Government and the people of Lagos,” he said.
Leader of the South-south indigenes in Lagos, Isaac Emiyade, on his part, said he had lived in the state since 1977 and had never witnessed public protests in which public assets were destroyed at such level.
Emiyade praised Sanwo-Olu for promoting cohesion among all ethnic nationalities cohabiting in Lagos, pledging that people of South-south residing in the state would continue to support move to strengthen peace and progress of Lagos.
READ ALSO:
Nigeria President Buhari Reinstates Sacked UNILAG Vice Chancellor, Dissolves Babalakin-led Council
Responding, Sanwo-Olu said diversity remains the state’s strongest point, pointing out that the spirit of Lagos to host visitors and be a melting pot for all ethnic group has not been and cannot be dampened, despite violence visited on the state.
“One of our strongest point is our diversity. We must not allow what happened to demoralise our spirit to undertake the responsibilities which Lagos State has taken up.
“Lagos will continue to give everybody living here equal opportunity,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Idowu Sowunmi
