Chief Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu’s recent statement on the protection of Igbos living in Lagos state highlights the ongoing tensions and concerns facing the Igbo community in Nigeria. As a prominent businessman and politician, Iwuanyanwu’s comments carry weight and reflect the broader sentiments of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, a socio-cultural organization representing the Igbo people.
In his statement, Iwuanyanwu reassures the Igbo community that the Ohanaeze Ndigbo will do everything in its power to protect them against crisis in Lagos state. He emphasizes that the organization has resolved to fight against anyone who takes the life of any innocent Igbo person. He notes that the council of elders worldwide attended the meeting and that they are committed to ensuring the safety and security of Igbos living in Lagos state.
Iwuanyanwu also acknowledges the importance of peaceful coexistence between different ethnic groups in Nigeria. He urges both the Igbo and Yoruba communities to recognize that they have invested in Nigeria and have a shared stake in the country’s future. He notes that some individuals among the Yoruba community are political rascals and that the elders have directed the secretary-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo to investigate those who had their properties destroyed.
In his own words…
“I want our people to know that on Wednesday I called a meeting for Ohanaeze council of elders worldwide, and we talked about the events in Lagos state. I want to tell you that people who attended were from all over the world. We have have resolved that never again can we allow anybody to take the life of any innocent Igbo person. All of us are going to fight the person, we are going to fight the person.”
“We are in Nigeria and we have invested so much in Nigeria. We will not bow to the pressure of those telling us to go, we are not going anywhere. And I want to tell those in Lagos to realise that there is no war between us. Some people among Yorubas are political rascals and we are going to handle them. The elders have agreed and directed the secretary general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo to look into those who had their properties destroyed.”
