Former Vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has strongly condemned the calls for Igbos to vacate Lagos and other Southwestern states by a specified date. These calls, trending under the hashtag #IgboMustGo on X, demand the forced relocation of Igbo people from these regions.
Atiku's
Response
Atiku,
who was the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in
2023, expressed deep concern over these divisive and dangerous calls. In a
statement released by his spokesman, Mr. Paul Ibe, Atiku emphasized that such
rhetoric threatens peace and security and violates the constitutional rights of
Nigerians to live and work anywhere in the country.
Historical
Lessons
Atiku
drew parallels to historical events, warning of the consequences of allowing
hatred and bigotry to spread unchecked:
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.
Call for
Government Action
He
urged 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.
Emphasizing
Unity and Diversity
Atiku
highlighted Nigeria's strength in its diversity, stressing the importance of
unity, tolerance, and understanding:
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.
Call for
National Solidarity
He
called on all Nigerians to stand united against divisive rhetoric:
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.
Urgency
for Action
Atiku
expressed alarm over the government's silence five days after the threat
emerged, urging immediate action:
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.
Conclusion
Atiku Abubakar’s statement calls for immediate and decisive action to curb the spread of hatred and protect the rights and safety of all Nigerians, emphasizing the need for national unity and the protection of constitutional rights.
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