Asking Igbos Out of North Uncalled for, says Olulade

The member representing Epe Constituency II in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon Segun Olulade has condemned the recent call by a group under the auspices of Arewa Youth Forum ordering Igbos out of the North.

Olulade, who stated this in a statement issued in Lagos  on Monday, noted that in spite of illegal activities of the so called Movement for the Actualisation of the State of Biafra (MASSOB) agitating for self-determination, such call should not be allowed to graduate to chaotic situation and ethnic fiasco capable of undermining the unity of Nigeria as a nation.

The lawmaker said in as much as the people have rights to determine their existence as a recognised right of the United Nations chatter, the way and manner in which MASSOB is leading the South East for self-rule agitation is also capable of limiting the grant of such right, particularly if foreseen to be a threat on the entire nation and its existence.

According to him, MASSOB is seen many times carrying out aggressive and violent activities home and abroad such as fierce protests, burning of Nigeria’s national flag even in the UK, issuing illegal ‘stay-at-home order’ for people living in the South East and South South, printing of illegal Biafra currency and many more.

"If need be for agitation, it must be done within the confine of acceptable norm and procedure. I am sure that unchecked activities of MASSOB are beginning to generate corresponding reactions from some youths in the Northern Nigeria, a situation that if not nip in the bud quickly, is capable of engendering total breakdown of law and order as seen in the present scenario," the statement read in part.

Olulade, however, appealed to youths in the North to consider the peaceful Igbo community in the North as brothers having co-existed for many years as members of same family.

He explained that such ultimatum for the Igbos to leave the North and return to South East is against the constitution and anything that is against the constitution is also against the principle of a united Nigeria as our nation.

He said though the manner of agitation for Biafra by many Igbos living out of the South East even in Lagos, is increasingly disturbing, adding that silence of the South East Governors on the subject is also not helping matters.

“While it is condemnable to see any Northern leader identify with Boko Haram members for whatever reason, it is also abnormal for the South East Governors and Senators to continue to identify openly and celebrate leaders of MASSOB because both groups, as far as Nigeria’s constitution and sovereignty is concerned, are illegal groups.

"Celebrating and/or identifying with Nnamdi Kanu by South East leaders as seen in social media is a strong signal to other regions in the country and capable of generating reactions as being witnessed in the North at the moment.

“Lagos is about 26 million people, a population competing with entire Ghana population and four times the population of the Republic of Togo, and as such capable of becoming a country without adding other Yoruba states population in the South West.

"But our believe in the unity of Nigeria as a great nation with promising future is non-negotiable. We believe that Nigeria must first be made great before any region begins to ask for secession. Am afraid any region that cannot stay united under an existing Nigeria can hardly run as a sovereign nation if granted leave”, Olulade said.

He pointed out that Nigeria is going through a trying period, and any region calling for a break is only calling for the nation to be torn apart, and that is anarchy and treasonable, just as he xpressed hope in the future of Nigeria as a united great country that will lead Africa to reputable status before the entire world.

While appreciating members of Igbo community in Lagos who have been going about their lawful businesses, conducting themselves within the confines of the law and contributing to the development of Lagos State, he warned that Lagos State government will not take lightly incitement to any agitation in Lagos as may cause breakdown of law and order.

“Lagos is a cosmopolitan State that accommodates all irrespective of ethnic or religious affiliations. That an Igbo man can become a member of the House of Assembly in Lagos State shows the dynamism and conformity with globalisation of Lagos, and any action capable of disrupting its peace will not be accepted. We are brothers and sisters and must remain united for a greater Nigeria”, he added.

Signed:
Hon. Segun Olulade
Member, Lagos State House of Assembly