…demands compensation for properties destroyed
Igbo socio-political organisation, the Ndigbo Unity Forum (NUF), has said that the destruction of properties of Ndigbo in Lagos has glaringly portrayed Gov Babajide Sanwo-Olu as a hater of Ndigbo.
In a statement issued at the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja the group said there was no other way to describe the action of Lagos State Governor even when he is not an indigene of the State, but also a stranger in Lagos.
The group said it is uncharitable for any person or group of persons to insinuate that Ndigbo is not part of Lagos, adding that the history of the development of Lagos State cannot be complete without Ndigbo dating back to pre-colonial, colonial, post-colonial and the current era.
In the statement signed by the leader of NUF, Dede Uzor A Uzor, the group said that nobody can talk of the modern Lagos without the enormous economic contribution of Ndigbo in all facets of the life of the State.
Unfortunately, they said, some tribal elements just wanted Ndigbo to lay golden eggs without being part of the hatchery”.
“It is most unfair, unjust and ungodly and impossible.
Ndigbo are part of the Nigerian federation and they have the right to pursue their economic interests in any part of the country, as well as express their political rights according to their conscience”.
NUF said the destruction of the properties of Ndigbo in Mafoluku, Oshodi and Alaba International Market were products of the last election in which Mr. Peter Obi of the Labour Party, LP, defeated now President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
But the NUF pointed out that it was not only Igbo votes that gave Obi victory in Lagos, noting that even the Yorubas voted massively for Obi. The group queried on why the Igbo were singled out for persecution?
The group demanded compensation for those who were affected by the Lagos State Government demolition exercise, failure of which the victims should consider the option of seeking legal redress from the State Government.
However, the NUF cautioned that the development is an eye opener and lesson to Ndigbo in the Diaspora on the need to think home and bring back home substantial part of their investments, Dede Uzor advised.
