Igbo socio-cultural group Ohanaeze Ndigbo has advised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to ignore rumour that members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) are plotting to attack Lagos State, noting that it is a ploy to distract him and his administration from providing good governance for all residents of the state.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to Governor Sanwo-Olu at the Lagos House, Marina on Thursday, president-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Prof. George Obiozor said the “dangerous rumour or statement is aimed to cause division, crises and conflict amongst us.”
Obiozor said Ndigbo cannot indulge in any act that will harm the harmonious peace and cordial relationship between Igbo and Yoruba, especially in Lagos, which he described as second home of several Ndigbo.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s visit to Sanwo-Olu comes days after Lagos State commissioner of police Hakeem Odumosu said during a security town hall meeting that there were plans by some groups, which include IPOB to attack soft spots in the state.
Reacting to the fear, Prof. Obiozor said the Igbo are renowned as agents of development and not destruction.
“Today, the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, in the company of Igbo elders and leaders in Lagos, are here to pay you a solidarity visit and to further reassure you that Ndigbo are not violent in nature, neither are we known for acts of violence anywhere we live.
“The constant and periodic dangerous insinuations, rumour, gossips and callous statements that Ndigbo in Lagos or any part of Yoruba land contemplate or instigate violence in Lagos or any part of Yoruba land; we wish to state clearly that anywhere this dangerous rumour or statement is emanating from is aimed to cause division, crises and conflict amongst us.
“We think that this rumour is intended to distract the Lagos State Government from its efforts to provide good governance for all and cause disaffection between Ndigbo who live in Lagos and their host community which is the second home of several Ndigbo.
“The quick denial of this rumour by members of IPOB and Yoruba groups in Lagos and across the South West was a source of relief,” Obiozor said.
Responding, Sanwo-Olu assured Ohanaeze Ndigbo leadership of continuous good governance and security of lives and property of all residents in Lagos State.
The governor said he had no doubt that the Ndigbo are great people, noting that his administration would continue to foster harmonious relationships with all the different tribes and ethnic nationalities in the state.
