Politics
NDIGBO Lagos, a socio-cultural organisation, has categorically denied and debunked the wicked and unfounded rumors making the rounds, which alleged that Igbo community in Lagos are planning to mastermind protests against the government of Lagos State and other parts of Nigeria.
Those behind this wicked rumor against Igbos may be plotting evil against Ndigbo in Lagos and beyond and leveraging on this fabricated evil plot to advance their satanic course, according to Major General Obi Abel Umahi(rtd), president general and Chuma Igwe, secretary general of Ndigbo Lagos.
The denial was contained in a statement the president and secretary signed which was made available to Realnews on Tuesday, July 16.
Said Ndigbo Lagos: “We recognize the harmful negative impact the wicked rumors of Igbo planned and masterminded civil disobedience may have on our relationship with our host communities and Nigeria at large. Those behind this plot against Igbos do not only aim at inciting distrust and tension, but also tarnish the image of the Igbo people in Lagos and beyond. Their aim could also be to portray Igbos as anti government of the day and stigmatize Igbos in order to provoke aggression against Igbos, attack them, loot their shops, set others on fire et cetera.
“On behalf of Igbos in Lagos, Ndigbo Lagos publicly and unequivocally declares that Igbos in Lagos are not planning any manner of civil unrest and will not be part of any such gathering against any constituted authority in Lagos State or beyond. We stand firmly on the path of peace, which is indeed necessary for security and development to thrive.
“We therefore urge the security agencies to kindly take this development seriously in order to preempt the wicked plots of these evil forces bearing wicked rumors against Igbos. We equally call on the media community, all Nigerians, regardless of their ethnic background, to stand against divisive narratives and work collaboratively towards a harmonious nation. The strength of our country lies in its diversity, and it is our collective responsibility to nurture this diversity through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation.
“Ndigbo Lagos urge all Igbos in Lagos and even beyond to peacefully go about their legitimate businesses knowing that the security agencies are on top of this wicked rumors of civil unrest and will expose the elements behind it. Long live Ndigbo. Long live Lagos State. Long live Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the statement said.
Realnews reports that Ndigbo Lagos is a reputable and responsible organization deeply committed to fostering peace, unity, and socio-economic development in the places we domicile and do our legitimate businesses. For decades, Ndigbo Lagos has championed initiatives that bridge cultural divides and promote mutual understanding and respect among the diverse ethnic groups residing in Lagos, especially with the Indigenous communities with whom we have lived side by side in harmony.
Ndigbo Lagos has a longstanding history of involvement in conflict resolution and mediation efforts. In 2010, during the market disputes in Alaba and in 2015 in Mushin, our leadership played a crucial role in mediating peace talks, which successfully resolved tensions without any escalation. Additionally, we have forged and maintained strategic partnerships with leaders of indigenous communities on joint initiatives that benefited our collective communities. A case in point was our joint venture with the Yoruba Council of Elders in 2020 to create business incubators..
We trust this statement clarifies our position and reiterates our unwavering commitment to peace and national unity. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
16th July, 2024.
C.E.
Tags: Ndigbo
