Ndigbo not marginalised in Lagos politics — Lagos APC
Go tell your marginalisation story to the marines, Lagos State All Progressives Congress, APC, appears to Ndigbo in Lagos on Monday.
The party dismissed out rightly claims credited to Ndigbo Cultural Society of Nigeria, NCSN, led by Chief Udo Udeogaranya, that Ndigbo in Lagos were being marginalised in the politics of Lagos State.
For the party, Chief Udeogaranya, was being economical with the truth.
The party’s publicity secretary, Mr. Joe Igbokwe, in a statement in Nnewi, Anambra State, advised Ndigbo in Lagos to be cautious, tactful and honest in dealing with their host communities anywhere in Nigeria in the interest of peace and harmony.
According to the statement, contrary to the claims of NCSN, Ndigbo are getting their fair share in Lagos State as Igbo could be found everywhere in Lagos.
The party said, “Ndigbo control commerce in Lagos from Ladipo market to Tejuosho, from Oshodi to Alaba International, from the Trade Fair Complex to Oduade market, from Idumota to Balogun, just to mention a few of them.
“Ndigbo are in real estate, big time, they are in hospitality business, transport and building construction. Ndigbo import more than 60 per cent of all goods in Lagos on a conservative estimate. In politics, Ndigbo are also being represented at all levels of government from the wards to the local government and at the state level.
“Ben Akabueze has been the Commissioner for Budget and Planning for nearly 10 years and the weight of that office is well known to those who should know better.
“Joe Igbokwe sits as the General Manager, LASIMRA, Head UFRU and APC Publicity Secretary, Lagos and these are strategic offices and six Ndigbo are fully employed at LASIMRA.
“Justice Sybil Nwaka, an Igbo, is in the Lagos Judiciary, there was the late Mrs. Ngozi Mofuanya, a director of Public Prosecution, DPP; there are also Igbo lawyers who are thoroughly enjoying themselves in the Ministry of Justice in Lagos.
“There is also countless number of Ndigbo in top positions in the Lagos State Ministries, especially in the Ministry of Education. Many Igbos are also working in the local governments.
“Ngozi Nwosu, an actress from Imo State, got a life-line of N6 million for an overseas surgery. Mrs. Mary Igbokwe got N5 million and a flat as compensation for her late husband, who died in a scuffle with LASTMA officers in Lagos. Mrs. Chima Ubani got cash and a flat at Marwa Garden Lagos when her husband Mr. Chima Ubani died in a motor accident near Abuja.
“First Consultants Hospital owned by an Igbo got N50 million as compensation for equipment destroyed after fighting Ebola in that hospital and consequently stopped spread of the deadly disease.
“Time and space will not permit us to say all we know about Ndigbo in Lagos. Igbo have made great fortunes in Lagos simply because a very conducive atmosphere has been provided for these huge and monumental investments to thrive and we expect Ndigbo to show some understanding.”
“Lagos APC is appealing to Ndigbo in Lagos to work with their host communities in Lagos for peaceful co-existence and harmonious relationship. Our property in Lagos were not said to be abandoned after the civil war. They were returned to us by the Yoruba after the war.”
“Yoruba have been fair to Ndigbo and they need to reciprocate by seeking dialogue anytime there is problem instead of wars on the print and electronic media.”
“Eighty per cent of rich Ndigbo in Nigeria today made their wealth in Lagos. Lagos, APC still insists that there are rooms for improvement. And we advise Ndigbo to always seek audience with the authorities in their host communities for better understanding and cordial relationship. It is supposed to be a symbiotic relationship.”
Rough estimates put Ndigbo population in Lagos to close 40 per cent.
