I strongly condemn the call by some sentiment-driven youths in the Southwest for people of Igbo descent resident in Lagos and Oyo States to leave the region. Such unguided utterances negate the bond of unity that holds us together as one nation, and it is the responsibility of the government to hold those behind such senseless statements accountable.

Nigeria is currently facing hunger due to the dwindling economy, which has sparked ongoing nationwide protests. Meanwhile, others are busy calling for Igbos residing in Lagos to leave the state. In the interest of fairness, the government is expected to take action by ensuring that the perpetrators are arrested and brought to book. Failure to do so would amount to deceit on the part of the government for allowing some groups to stoke crisis in the polity.

A nation in defense of common brotherhood cannot take lightly such divisive utterances capable of flaring up another dimension of uprising and crisis in the country. The current economic distress was not caused by Igbo residents in Lagos, who warrant their eviction. Instead, their business investments have continued to impact the Lagos State economy and the entire federation positively.

The nation’s economy is entrapped in crisis, and no region is immune to the adverse effects of hunger. Therefore, the federal government is advised to prevail on security agencies to unveil those who orchestrated this hate speech and divisiveness.

Chief Dr. Emeka Kalu