The leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, in the company of Igbo Elders and Leaders in Lagos have paid a solidarity visit to Governor Sanwo-Olu at the Lagos House, Marina.
The aim of the visit which was at the instance of Ndigbo was to clear the air on the rumoured attacks on Lagos by members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Ambassador (Prof.) George Obiozor, told the Governor to ignore the rumour that members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) were plotting to attack Lagos.
He said; ”it is a ploy to distract him and his administration from providing good governance for all residents of the State.”
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Hakeem Odumosu had during a Security Townhall Meeting at the Lagos State Secretariat, claimed that there were plans by some groups, which included IPOB to attack ‘soft spots’ in the state.
Governor Sanwo-Olu and other principal officials in Lagos State were in attendance at the meeting.
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Professor Obiazor said Igbo nation was renowned for being 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 (Governor Sanwo-Olu) 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,” he said.
Obiozor in his address titled ‘Violence in any part of Lagos State is violence on all of us,’ said Ndigbo cannot indulge in any act that will harm the harmonious peace and cordial relationship between Igbo and Yoruba, especially Lagos, which he described as second home of several Ndigbo.
He said; “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.”
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo through this medium reiterates total support to the state government and the security agencies in their patriotic efforts to keep everyone safe in Lagos and throughout the country. The Igbo nation is renowned for being agents of development, not destruction. Ndigbo are builders and their contributions to the development of Lagos State are evident and exemplary,” Obiozor added.
Responding, Governor Sanwo-Olu assured Ohanaeze Ndigbo leadership of continuous good governance, security of lives and properties of all residents in Lagos State.