Lagos State Government Denounces Reckless and Divisive Rhetoric as Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar Calls for Federal Action Against Advocates of Mass Relocation of Igbos from Southwest States

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration has taken a strong stance against recent inflammatory statements circulating on social media. 

Following a statement released last night, Gbenga Akosile, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Lagos State Governor, denounced the "reckless, divisive, and dangerous rhetoric" that has surfaced. 

According to Akosile, Lagos is a city that embraces every Nigerian citizen, regardless of their ethnic background. He criticized the controversial post, describing it as not only irresponsible and divisive but also as a deliberate attempt to create discord between the Yoruba community in the Southwest and other ethnic groups, especially those who have chosen Lagos as their permanent residence. Akosile urged security agencies to take immediate action to investigate and hold accountable those behind the inflammatory statements.

This development comes in the wake of a public call from former Vice President and 2023 PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar. Atiku has called upon the Federal Government to take legal action against those advocating for the mass relocation of Igbos from Lagos and other Southwest states. He argued that such rhetoric is deeply divisive and poses a significant threat to national peace and security. Atiku also highlighted the concern that, five days after these inflammatory statements were made on social media, there has been a "troubling silence" from the authorities and the public.