Press Statement
Otu Oka-Iwu Abuja vehemently condemn the renewed call for Igbos to leave Lagos, along with all associated threats that jeopardize the existence of Ndi Igbo in Nigeria. Such statements and threats should be considered treasonable offences, and those responsible must be arrested and prosecuted for threatening the peace and unity of the country.
This is not the first time such dangerous rhetoric has surfaced, and it is time to put an end to it once and for all. During the 2023 elections, similar calls were made in Lagos and were met with a lackluster response. It is, therefore, unsurprising that some individuals now feel emboldened to threaten an entire section of the country. We must remember that this very trend led to the civil war, yet the security agencies have taken little to no action against those inciting such dangerous sentiments.
Otu Oka-Iwu wishes to remind those responsible for these threats that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), is clear in its provisions. Specifically, Section 41 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) provides that: Every citizen of Nigeria is entitled to move freely throughout Nigeria and to reside in any part thereof, and no citizen of Nigeria shall be expelled from Nigeria or refused entry thereby or exit therefrom.
Similarly, Section 43 provides that: “Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, every citizen of Nigeria shall have the right to acquire and own immovable property anywhere in Nigeria.”
The Igbo community has long been subjected to negative stereotyping, often portrayed as secessionists or criminals in both government-controlled and independent media. Such false narratives have fueled resentment and further marginalized the Igbo people. Moreover, there have been instances of censorship and suppression of pro-Igbo voices, further silencing the region in national discourse.
The insinuation that the recent #Endbadgovernance protest was masterminded by Igbos is particularly unfortunate and was clearly a tactic to scapegoat the Igbo community once again. We commend the calls by Ohanaeze Ndigbo and other well-meaning Igbo leaders who urged restraint and advised the Igbo community to stay away from the protests. It is noteworthy that there were no reports of protests in any of the Southeastern states.
Otu Oka-Iwu earnestly expects the Inspector General of Police to take action before the expiration of the 14-days ultimatum issued by Dr. Sam Amadi to act or an action will be instituted for an order of mandamus. Indeed, this call for the Inspector General’s action is long overdue. All well-meaning Igbo Associations should rise to the occasion and demand caution from those who threaten the unity of this country.
It is on record that the Igbos have always been at the forefront of Nigeria’s progress and unity, from the time of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe to the demands of Dim Odimegwu Ojukwu (Ikemba). Consequently, the collective sensibility of the entire Igbo Nation cannot be undermined by political opportunists or social media provocateurs seeking attention or traffic to their platforms.
We however, appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Commander in Chief of the armed forces for condeming such alterances in his #endbadgovernance speech to the Nation and commend all individuals and organizations that have stood in solidarity with the Igbos across the country and have condemned these uncultured and provocative pronouncements.
Chidi Udekwe, Esq.
President
Otu Oka-Iwu (Igbo Lawyers)
Abuja
