Ndigbo Lagos, a socio-cultural organization of the Igbo in Lagos, has denied alleged plot by the Igbo community in Lagos to instigate protests against the Government of Lagos State and other parts of Nigeria, warning that those behind such “wicked rumour against the Igbo may be plotting evil against (them) in Lagos and beyond and leveraging this fabricated evil plot to advance their satanic cause.”
In a statement issued today (July 20, 2024) in Lagos and signed by the group’s President General, Major General Obi Abel Umahi (rtd) OFR, and Chief Chuma Igwe, Secretary General, Ndigbo Lagos said it had become necessary to put a lie to “the wicked rumours” because “we recognize the harmful negative impact” such allegation of Igbo plotting to instigate civil disobedience in Lagos and elsewhere “may have on our relationship with our host communities and Nigeria at large.”
“ Those behind this plot against the Igbo do not only aim at (creating) distrust and tension (in the minds of the people against the Igbo) but also tarnishing the image of the Igbo people in Lagos and beyond,” Ndigbo Lagos stressed, alerting the security agencies to the possibility that those spreading the ‘malicious’ rumours are actually seeking to portray the Igbo as anti-government of the day and, by so doing, stigmatize the them in order to provoke aggression and subsequent attacks on the Igbo and their property in Lagos and beyond, through arson, looting and other acts of criminality and mayhem.
Dissociating the group and the Igbo community in Lagos as a whole from any planned civil unrest against the Lagos State government or any other government land and people anywhere else in Nigeria, the Igbo socio-cultural organization declared: “On behalf of the Igbo in Lagos, Ndigbo Lagos publicly and unequivocally declares that the Igbo 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,” the statement by Major-General Umahi and Chief Igwe further assured.
“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 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 the Igbo.
“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 urges all the Igbo in Lagos and even beyond to peacefully go about their legitimate businesses knowing that the security agencies are on top of these wicked rumors of civil unrest and will expose the elements behind them.”
The group hoped that the statement issued by its key officers would serve as enough clarification of the position of all Igbo in Lagos on the alleged acts of sabotage being planned against Lagos State by the Igbo or any other group for that matter, adding that the statement also “reiterates our unwavering commitment to peace, harmony and national unity.”
They further enjoined the security agencies, community and leaders of other groups desirous to seek further clarifications from the leadership of the organization on matters arising from the issued by its leadership to please contact Ndigbo Lagos @ 08052266776 and or ndigbo_lagos@yahoo.com.
