By Hope James
Former Vice President and Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the 2023 general elections, Atiku Abubakar, has called for the arrest and prosecution of protesters calling for the relocation of Igbos from Lagos and other South West States, Edum News reports.
He made this known in a statement via his verified handle on X.
He described the call as troubling, adding that it fundamentally opposed to the principles of unity and coexistence that define Nigeria.
According to him, the strength of the country is in its diversity, and maintained the efforts to sow discord among the people must be resisted.
He wrote, “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.
“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.
“I urge all Nigerians to stand united against this divisive rhetoric and to champion unity, tolerance, and understanding. Our future depends on our ability to live and work together harmoniously. The government and security agencies must act swiftly 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”.
