Ndigbo Lagos dissociates self from proposed civil unrest
By Jeffrey Agbo
An Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ndigbo Lagos, has debunked the rumour making the rounds which alleges that the Igbo community in Lagos is planning to mastermind protests against the government of Lagos State and other parts of Nigeria.
The group, in a statement on Tuesday signed by its President-General, Major General Obi Umahi (rtd), and Secretary-General, Chuma Igwe, said those behind the rumour against the Igbo may be plotting to leverage on the “fabricated evil plot to advance their satanic cause.”
Ndigbo Lagos described itself as a reputable and responsible organisation deeply committed to fostering peace, unity, and socio-economic development in the places their members stay and do legitimate businesses.
The statement said, “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.
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“We recognise the harmful negative impact the wicked rumours 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 rumours 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 rumours of civil unrest and will expose the elements behind it. Long live Ndigbo. Long live Lagos State. Long live Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
