Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN)
on Thursday offered an unreserved apology for the misunderstanding generated by
the alleged deportation of some destitute to Onitsha, Anambra State. The state
government was accused of dumping 70 beggars at Onitsha Bridge on July 24, a
situation that generated public outcry and bad blood. The government had said
it relocated the 14 people to Onitsha after rehabilitating them, but the
explanations did not appease the aggrieved Igbos, who felt they were being
badly treated and hated.
Fashola, who spoke at the silver jubilee of the
Igbo socio-cultural think tank, Aka Ikenga held at the Nigerian Institute of
International Affairs, Victoria Island, insisted he has no problems with the
Igbos. He noted that the largest herds of cattle he received when his father
died was from the Igbos.
At the event were the Secretary to the Government of
the Federation, Anyim Pius Ayim, who represented President Goodluck Jonathan;
House of Representatives Deputy Speaker, Chief Emeka Ihedioha; Catholic Bishop,
Mathew Kuka; former Minister, Gen. Ike Nwachukwu; President Aka Ikenga, Goddy
Uwazurike; former ambassador George Obiozor and President of Ohaneze Ndigbo,
Gary Enwo-Igariwey.
Others included the former President Aka Ikenga,
Chief Chris Asodoka; Director, Lagos Business School, Prof. Pat Utomi; Captain
Emma Iheanacho; Nollywood artistes, Onyeka Onwenu and Kanayo O. Kanayo.
Fashola said: “I
came here to say to say thank you for the honour done to my family and the
memory of my late father.
“People who clearly do not understand the actions
taken and words spoken are those I owe an explanation. I cannot take the Igbos
for granted because we have built a relationship based on tolerance, mutual
respect, love and trust. That relationship was built by our ancestors and I put
a lot of value in that relationship.
“I offer an unreserved apology if the actions taken
had been misunderstood.
“But I think the
basic issue Aka Ikenga must address is why people feel compelled to immigrate
from one part of the country to the other? Is it the case that some lack the
resources to develop or perhaps some parts are endowed with enormous resources
but not adequately managed?
“How can
development be so difficult from the zone that has produced people like Nnamdi
Azikiwe, Alex Ekwueme, Ike Nwachukwu, among others?
“As political
storm gathers, there are contact spots but like in football, contact spots have
rules. Those who are victims of our shortcomings as professionals in and out of
government should not be pounced.
“A day like
these calls for deep reflection about issues of our loyalties. Are we more Igbo
than Nigeria or we are more Nigeria than Igbo?”
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