Ndigbo residents in Lagos, yesterday, said despite the “unfortunate” statement by Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, on Igbo in the state, they have forgiven the traditional ruler in good faith.
They said that the statement was not enough to make them change their minds about voting for continuity of the present administration in the state which they believe would further complement ongoing transformation in Lagos State.
Chairman of Igbo community in Apapa, Engr. Gabby Dimude who made the remarks while addressing Igbo in the state at a stakeholders’ forum said the investments of the Igbos in the state could not be jeopardised on the ground of the anti-Igbo comments by the Lagos monarch.
According to him, “The Oba’s statement remains unfortunate, but it is not going to be an obstacle for us to vote for APC in the Saturday governorship and state house of assembly elections. Our APC leaders have already replied the Oba.
But what I am telling the Igbos in Lagos and Apapa to remain calm. We have put that behind us, though, to err is human to forgive is divine.
“What is at stake is bigger than the statement of the Oba, so we have to stick together first, be part of the winning team so that we can move progressively.
Dimude added that with the victory of APC presidential candidate, Genl Muhammadu Buhari (retd) at the March 28 elections, it was pertinent to ensure that the party also wins the gubernatorial election to fast track growth in the state.
“Today is a day of history, the Igbos in Apapa, Igbos in oil and gas, maritime, shipping, clearing and forwarding, the owners of the tankers and all Igbos have accepted and agreed to be part of history by voting for APC.
“For the first time in the history of Nigeria, Lagos and Abuja will be one in terms of federal and state government, that is why we are here to be part of the history”.
Dimude said the Igbo communities in Apapa have therefore decided to queue behind Ambode and APC House of Assembly candidates, saying “our interest stands to be protected if the party wins the elections.”
The Igbo leader however, urged Ambode to ensure that Igbo indigenes are given more slots in his cabinet if he emerges victorious in the April 11election.
“The Igbos must be fully represented in Lagos. We are part and parcel of development in Lagos. We pay our taxes. We have two Igbo brothers in Lagos government, but we need more, they should accommodate more Igbo indigenes in their government”.
Also speaking, Executive Secretary of Apapa local government, Cecilia Dada, said the Igbos and Yorubas had been collaborating together, leading to the prosperity of both, and therefore, should resist attempts to divide them.
She called on the Igbo community to vote for Ambode and other APC candidates in the election.
Addressing the gathering in Igbo language, Lagos Publicity Secretary of APC, Joe Igbokwe, said it was in the interest of all residents of the state irrespective of tribe, for Lagos to unite with the government at the centre.
He said with Buhari and APC controlling the Federal Government, Lagos will enjoy the special status it has been clamouring for in the last 16 years the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, had been in power.(Vanguard)
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