An anonymous social media handle called @Lagospedia’ on X has issued a divisive call for the expulsion of Igbo from Lagos State and the entire Southwest region of Nigeria. The post, which went viral before the account was eventually suspended, announced a planned #IgboMustGo protest from August 20 to 30, 2024, sparking widespread outrage.
However, the Lagos State Government has strongly condemned the inflammatory rhetoric and distanced itself from the campaign. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in a statement released by his media aide Gboyega Akosile, said that Lagos remains a welcoming home for all Nigerian citizens, regardless of their ethnic background.
The governor views the post as not only reckless and divisive but also a deliberate attempt to incite discord between the Yoruba people and other tribes, particularly those who have made Lagos their permanent residence. He has appealed to Lagosians not to allow any person or group of individuals to create tensions in the state and has called on the security agencies to promptly investigate those behind the handle and bring them to justice.
The account has since been suspended.
The Labour Party (LP) Presidential Candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has also reacted to genocidal threats on X against the Igbo tribe.
Noting that the Constitution guarantees every Nigerian the right to live and work freely anywhere in the country, the former Anambra state governor, on his verified X handle @PeterObi on Friday, August 2, 2024 demanded immediate arrest and prosecution of all anti-igbo campaigners, adding that “such rhetoric threatens our national security and unity.”
He wrote: “Deeply disturbing, I have read genocidal threats on X against the Igbo tribe, calling for their relocation. Let me pointedly warn that such rhetoric threatens our unity and is fundamentally opposed to our Constitution, which guarantees every Nigerian the right to live and work freely anywhere in the country. Those in authority must show leadership and urgently speak out against such divisive rhetoric.
“Immediate action should be taken to investigate, arrest, and prosecute those behind this heinous agenda, serving as a deterrent to others who might consider pursuing similar paths that threaten our national security and unity.”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has also condemned the divisive calls, urging the federal government to arrest and prosecute those responsible. He stated that such rhetoric not only endangers the peace and security of the nation but also highlights the troubling silence that has followed the initial post.
The post read, “The recent call on @X (formerly @twitter) 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.
“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.
“I call on the Nigerian government and relevant authorities to take immediate and strong action against those inciting such hatred and division. It is imperative to investigate, arrest, and prosecute individuals promoting ethnic discrimination and violence. The rule of law must prevail, and those found guilty of incitement should face the full extent of legal consequences.
“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.”