By Chisom Oguadimma
Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has called on the Nigerian government to investigate and arrest individuals threatening Igbos to vacate Lagos and other Southwest states.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on August 1, 2024, Abubakar condemned the incitement, stating it contradicts the principles of unity and peaceful coexistence that define Nigeria. He emphasized that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to live and work freely anywhere in the country, and such threats violate this right.
An X handle with the username @Lagospedia had posted on July 27, 2024, calling for a protest against Igbo people in Lagos. The post demanded that Igbos be given a one-month ultimatum to leave and relocate their businesses from all Southwest states. The tweet read: “Lagosians and every Southwest stakeholder should prepare for the massive protest of #IgboMustGo from August 20-30. They have one month to leave and relocate their businesses from all Southwest states. We urge all Yorubas living in the Southeast to return home.”
Abubakar compared this incitement to the events in Rwanda in the early 1990s that led to genocide. He said, “The recent call on X for a protest under the hashtag #IgboMustGo, demanding the forced relocation of Igbo people from Lagos and other Southwest states, is deeply troubling and fundamentally opposed to the principles of unity and coexistence that define our nation. Such rhetoric is not only divisive but also endangers our peace and security, as our Constitution guarantees every Nigerian the right to live and work freely anywhere in the country.”
He added, “History has shown us the consequences of allowing hatred and bigotry to fester, as seen in Rwanda. What began with inflammatory rhetoric led to devastating outcomes. We must learn from these lessons and act decisively.”
Abubakar called on the authorities to take immediate action by identifying and arresting those inciting hatred against Igbos to serve as a deterrent to others. He stressed that Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity and that efforts to divide the nation must be resisted.
“Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity, and we must resist any efforts to sow discord among our people. Lagos and the Southwest have long been melting pots of cultures where individuals from various backgrounds contribute to our collective growth and development. The Igbo community, along with all other ethnic groups, is an integral part of this vibrant mosaic,” Abubakar stated.
He urged all Nigerians to stand united against divisive rhetoric and to champion unity, tolerance, and understanding. He called for swift action by the government and security agencies to protect this fundamental principle and ensure that every Nigerian can live free from fear of discrimination or persecution.
“It is alarming that, five days after this threat emerged, there has been a troubling silence. Immediate action to arrest, investigate, and prosecute those behind this heinous agenda is crucial. This will serve as a deterrent to others who might consider pursuing similar paths that threaten our national security,” Abubakar concluded.
