Describing recent calls for Igbo people to vacate Lagos State as “sheer stupidity” and “arrant nonsense,” former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Bode George, expressed his disdain for such divisive rhetoric.
Addressing the issue in Lagos during an interactive media session at his office in Ikoyi, the retired army officer emphasized the longstanding coexistence and camaraderie between Lagos natives and Igbo residents.
Emphasizing the inclusivity and welcoming nature of Lagos, George refuted the notion of asking Igbo traders to leave, highlighting the economic contributions and cultural integration of the Igbo community in the state.
Reflecting on historical ties between Igbo and Yoruba leaders in the national struggle for independence, George recalled the collaboration between Nnamdi Azikwe and Sir Herbert Macaulay, underscoring the interconnectedness of diverse ethnic groups in Nigeria’s political history.
Dismissing the proponents of the anti-Igbo sentiment as non-indigenes with no genuine connection to Lagos, George condemned the divisive rhetoric as baseless and detrimental to the unity of the nation.
The recent social media campaigns urging Igbos to leave Lagos, particularly amidst the #EndBadGovernment protests, drew widespread attention and prompted a swift response from prominent leaders like President Bola Tinubu, who denounced ethnic-based incitement in his national address.