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abujagirl
Guest
Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), Lagos state Governor on Tuesday apologized to Igbos for the alleged deportation of some destitutes to Onitsha, Anambra State.
The Lagos State government was accused of dumping 70 beggars at Onitsha Bridge on July 24,although the government claimed it only relocated the 14 people to Onitsha after rehabilitating them.
The deportation saga had generated public outcry and bad blood, the Igbos felt they were being badly treated and victimized.
According to THE NATION, Fashola offered the apology while speaking at the silver jubilee of the Igbo socio-cultural think tank, Aka Ikenga held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Victoria Island, Lagos.
He noted that the largest herds of cattle he received when his father died was from the Igbos.
The Governor said, “I came here to say to say thank you for the honour done to my family and the memory of my late father.
“People who clearly do not understand the actions taken and words spoken are those I owe an explanation. I cannot take the Igbos for granted because we have built a relationship based on tolerance, mutual respect, love and trust. That relationship was built by our ancestors and I put a lot of value in that relationship.
“I offer an unreserved apology if the actions taken had been misunderstood.
“But I think the basic issue Aka Ikenga must address is why people feel compelled to immigrate from one part of the country to the other? Is it the case that some lack the resources to develop or perhaps some parts are endowed with enormous resources but not adequately managed?
“How can development be so difficult from the zone that has produced people like Nnamdi Azikiwe, Alex Ekwueme, Ike Nwachukwu, among others?
“As political storm gathers, there are contact spots but like in football, contact spots have rules. Those who are victims of our shortcomings as professionals in and out of government should not be pounced.
“A day like these calls for deep reflection about issues of our loyalties. Are we more Igbo than Nigeria or we are more Nigeria than Igbo?, he added.
