Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and socio-political group, has reassured Nigerians residing lawfully in any part of Yorubaland that they should not fear for their safety or worry about being forcibly removed from the region.
The group expressed dismay over the continuous targeting of Igbos, which is evident in online statements like the “#IgboMustGo” hashtag and provocative posts by certain social media accounts such as ‘Lagospedia’ on X (formerly known as Twitter).
In a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, Afenifere condemned such threats, stating that those promoting this divisive campaign “aim to sow discord among Ndigbo and Yorubas.”
The group also emphasized that there is no intention anywhere to expel any group of individuals peacefully conducting their businesses in the southwest.
Ajayi remarked, “Considering the serious threat posed by such calls for expulsion to peaceful coexistence, Afenifere calls on the security agencies, particularly the Police, to apprehend those responsible for this unpatriotic act as highlighted in the quoted LagosPedia post.”
“No one is being targeted unfairly. Only individuals with criminal intentions should be concerned. This applies to both Yoruba and non-Yoruba individuals. If you abide by the laws of the land, there is no need to fear, whether you are a native or non-native,” Ajayi added.
Ajayi commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State for swiftly denouncing the smear campaign that could stoke discord.
“The Lagos State Government, like other Southwest governments, is striving to cater to all residents irrespective of tribe, religion, or any other affiliation. Thus, it is highly insensible and deceitful for any individual or group to propagate ethnic hatred, particularly during this period of heightened tensions in the country.”
Furthermore, the South-East Caucus of the National Assembly has voiced deep concerns about the ethnic profiling of Igbos in the midst of the ongoing nationwide demonstrations.
In a joint statement signed by the Senate and House of Representatives Caucus leaders, Eyinaya Abaribe and Igariwey Enwo, they lamented the unjust targeting and scapegoating of Igbos despite heeding their leaders’ advice to abstain from the protests.
The statement asserted, “This unwarranted ethnic profiling must cease. Similar profiling in the past led to countless deaths in Nigeria from the 1950s to the tragic civil war in 1967-1970.
“Elsewhere in Africa, it resulted in the genocide in Rwanda and xenophobia in South Africa. We must avoid such a fate in Nigeria.
“Consequently, we urge the security agencies to prosecute the promoters of these hate speeches in accordance with the cybercrimes act and the country’s laws,” they demanded.
“We continue to urge Igbos nationwide to refrain from the protests and uphold the law.”