Reacting to the genocidal threat demanding Igbos to leave Lagos and other Southwest states by a specified date, former Vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, expressed his opposition to the call.
Social media has been abuzz with the hashtag #IgboMustGo, urging for the forced relocation of Igbo individuals from Lagos and other Southwest regions.
Atiku, who was the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in 2023, described the call as deeply concerning.
In a statement released by his spokesperson, Mr. Paul Ibe, the former VP emphasized that such rhetoric not only fosters division but also poses a threat to peace and security, given that the constitution guarantees every Nigerian the right to reside and work freely anywhere in the country.
Reflecting on the consequences of allowing hatred and bigotry to grow, Atiku referenced the devastating outcomes witnessed in Rwanda, originating from inflammatory rhetoric.
He called upon the Nigerian government and relevant authorities to promptly address and take strong action against those inciting hatred and division.
Emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law, Atiku urged for thorough investigations, arrests, and prosecution of individuals promoting ethnic discrimination and violence, ensuring that legal consequences are faced by those found guilty of incitement.
Asserting that Nigeria’s strength lies in its diverse population, Atiku highlighted the historical significance of Lagos and the Southwest as cultural melting pots where individuals from various backgrounds contribute to national growth and development.
Stressing the integral role of the Igbo community and all other ethnic groups in the nation’s fabric, Atiku encouraged Nigerians to unite against divisive rhetoric and advocate for unity, tolerance, and understanding.
He called for swift government and security agency intervention to safeguard the fundamental principle of peaceful coexistence, ensuring that every Nigerian can live without the fear of discrimination or persecution.
Expressing concern over the silence following the emergence of the threat, Atiku emphasized the urgency for immediate action to arrest, investigate, and prosecute those behind the agenda, as a deterrent to others contemplating similar actions that jeopardize national security.