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Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide addressing World Press Conference
In a world press conference held at Nicon Luxury Hotel Abuja on Thursday, 30th November 2023, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, addressed a growing concern over the victimization of Igbos in Lagos State by both the state government and the indigenous population.
One of the Igbos houses demolished in Lagos
Chief Iwuanyanwu began his address by recounting the historical contributions of Igbos to Lagos, dating back to pre-amalgamation times. Despite having established businesses, made investments, and lived peacefully in Lagos for decades, the Igbo community is currently facing challenges that threaten their safety and property.
The President General highlighted incidents dating back to the civil war in 1966, where Igbo lives were lost, and properties worth billions were destroyed. He pointed out the unfair seizure of Igbo properties in Rivers State, an act that left a lasting scar on the Igbo community. Despite these setbacks, Chief Iwuanyanwu emphasized the resilience of the Igbo people, who have risen from the ashes of hatred and frustration to reinvest in various parts of the country.
However, recent events in Lagos have raised concerns. Chief Iwuanyanwu shared a disturbing letter from a Lagosian calling for the closure of markets with a significant Igbo presence, including Alaba International Market, Ladipo Market, Trade Fair Market, Kantagua Market, and others. The letter contained inflammatory language, reflecting a rising sentiment against the Igbo community.
Chief Iwuanyanwu vehemently countered the negative portrayal of Igbos, stating that they are law-abiding citizens who contribute significantly to the development of Nigeria. He presented crime statistics, arguing that Igbos are not the highest perpetrators of crimes such as drug peddling, corruption, ritual killings, murder, and kidnapping.
The President General acknowledged the historical camaraderie between Igbos and Yorubas, highlighting the positive relationships between Igbo leaders and prominent Yoruba figures. He urged Nigerians to rise above divisive sentiments and work towards a united nation where people of different tribes can coexist peacefully.
While commending the former Lagos State Governor and current President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his past positive relationship with Igbos, Chief Iwuanyanwu appealed to the Lagos State Government to intervene and ensure justice prevails. He requested a suspension of property demolitions until all facts are clarified.
Chief Iwuanyanwu also cautioned Igbos against violating building regulations in Abuja and other parts of Nigeria to prevent further demolitions. In response to the reported distress caused by demolitions in Lagos, he announced the plans to establish Ohanaeze Relief Agency to support affected Igbo families.
The press conference concluded with a call for a united Nigeria, emphasizing peace, fairness, justice, and equity as essential components for national development.
SKJ