Presidency Denounces #IgboMustGo Protest in Lagos, Calls for Unity

The Presidency has strongly denounced the organizers of the planned #IgboMustGo protests in Lagos and other Southwest states of Nigeria.

O’tega Ogra, Senior Special Assistant on New Media to President Bola Tinubu, condemned those inciting rallies against the Igbo community and fueling ethnic tensions in the country, describing them as “threats to society.”

Ogra emphasized that the Nigerian constitution affirms the unity of all citizens, regardless of ethnic or religious background, and called on security agencies to take action against those promoting such divisive actions.

“It is my firm belief that anyone who attempts to stoke ethnic or religious tensions in Nigeria under any guise or for any reason is a danger to society and should be held accountable under the law,” Ogra stated. “This behavior is extremely reckless and dangerous in a country composed of over 350 ethnic groups with diverse religious beliefs.”

He urged Nigerians to report individuals who incite ethnic hatred, stressing that President Tinubu stands firmly against intolerance in any form and supports unity across all regions.

“I appeal to all patriotic Nigerians to report any instances of bigotry and incendiary remarks, whether online or offline, to the appropriate law enforcement agencies,” Ogra added. “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a leader for all Nigerians and does not condone any form of bigotry.”

Ogra also cautioned young Nigerians against being manipulated by those seeking to sow discord, urging them to reject divisive rhetoric and to stand together as one nation.

“I call on all young Nigerians of good conscience to condemn this behavior, regardless of political or religious affiliation,” Ogra stated.

In a related development, the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has ordered security operatives to identify and bring to justice the author of a viral post on X (formerly Twitter) that called for Igbo people to leave Lagos State or face protests.

Sanwo-Olu, while condemning the post, reiterated that the Lagos State government does not support the proposed protests, which were allegedly scheduled to take place from August 20th to 30th, 2024. The author of the post had also called for all indigenes of the Southwest residing in the Southeast to return home during this period.

In his statement on Friday, Sanwo-Olu made it clear that such divisive actions are not welcome in Lagos, and the government will take necessary measures to ensure peace and unity in the state.