1 month ago
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BY TOSIN ADAMS
Nationwide outrage and condemnation have trailed the recent genocidal Igbo-Must Go campaign in Lagos which originated from a verified social media handle, Lagospedia, allegedly traced to one Olamide Ifeoluwa Bolaji with co-admins which include: Emmanuel Abayomi Oyalami, Segun Sellinton Anibaba, Afusat Ipaye Oliyide and Adewunmi Taiwo DewBay.
Unanimously many Nigerians have called on President Bola Tinubu to direct the security agencies to fish out the culprits and bring them to book for their attempt at thwarting the peace of the nation at this critical moments.
According to former Vice Ptesident, Atiku Abubakar, the development was “deeply troubling and fundamentally opposed to the principles of unity and coexistence that define our nation.”
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Citing that such “inflammatory rhetoric” is capable of breeding hatred and bigotry leading to devastating outcomes like it did in Rwanda, the former Vice President on his verified X account @atiku, on Thursday night, August 1, 2024, urged the Nigerian government and security agencies to, as a matter of urgency, “investigate, arrest, and prosecute individuals promoting ethnic discrimination and violence.”
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.
“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.”
While calling on Nigerians to reject this divisive rhetoric and to champion unity, Atiku maintained that Lagos and the Southwest have long been home to the Igbos as well as other ethnic groups who have contributed “to our collective growth and development”.
Continuing, he wrote: “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.”
Atiku decried that “five days after this threat emerged, there has been a troubling silence” and consequently urged security agencies and government to act swiftly so that no one is allowed to “threaten our national security.”
“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,” he added.
In a related development, Labour Party (LP) Presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has reacted to genocidal threats on X against the Igbo tribe.
Highlighting 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 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 posted: “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.”
Obi further called on Nigerians to reject the divisive rhetoric and the government as well as the security agencies act urgently to ensure that every Nigerian can live free from fear of discrimination or persecution.
“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. We must not allow our present challenges to drive wedges among us.
“We can only overcome our national challenges if we act together as one people United under God,” he maintained.
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