From Everest Ezihe, Owerri
Following the recent political misunderstanding between the Igbos resident in Lagos and its environ, and their Yoruba host communities cumulating into burning of shops and houses predominantly owned by the Igbos, Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma has assured Ndigbo residing in Lagos that he would broker an enduring peace between them and the Yorubas to ensure peaceful coexistence based on mutual respect for each side.
In this direction, Uzodimma said he would meet with the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo Olu, and other stakeholders to broker an enduring peace.
According to a press statement released in Owerri to media houses including The Authority over the weekend by Mr. Oguwike Nwachuku, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Uzodimma gave the assurance when he recently met with different Igbo interest groups in Lagos amid rising tension as a result of the fallout of the 2023 general election.
The Governor described as unfortunate the misunderstanding among some Yorubas and Igbos as a result of political differences, assuring that the situation will normalize soon.
He noted that although the constitution of Nigeria guarantees everyone the right to reside in any part of the country, the owners of the land must be accorded the necessary respect.
Uzodimma traced the relationship between Igbos and Yorubas to many decades, resulting in marriages and business partnerships, saying that he would work towards the renewal and strengthening of that relationship.
Uzodimma who is the Chairman of South East Governors’ Forum urged them not to panic as he would lead a delegation of Igbo intelligentsia and other stakeholders in Lagos to meet with the Lagos State government and stakeholders from Lagos.
Earlier, representatives of the various groups in Lagos had commended Governor Uzodimma for answering their distress call to wade into the crisis between them and their Yoruba brothers in Lagos.
They canvassed the intervention of the Governor to enable them carry out their businesses in peace under a relaxed atmosphere.
In their separate speeches, the leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Lagos, Chief Sunday Osaiah, regretted the misunderstanding among some Yorubas and Igbos and described it as unfortunate.
He disclosed that Igbos in Lagos sent a distress call to Governor Uzodimma for him to leverage on his excellent relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to bring a lasting solution to the problem.
Also speaking, the President of Ndigbo Lagos, General Austin Umahi (Rtd) expressed appreciation to Governor Uzodimma for his quick response to the distress call from his brothers in Lagos. He thanked the organisers for putting the meeting together.
He assured the Governor that Igbos in Lagos were not planning to relocate outside Lagos but wanted to be guaranteed a conducive atmosphere to live and transact their businesses.
Others who spoke along the same line included, President of Igbo Amaka, Chief Obinna Ukatu, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, former MD/CEO of Pfizer, Chief Obi Azodo, Chairman, Marbles Gardens Estate and representative of the Oil and Gas Sector, Mrs. Uju Ifejika.
