‘We can’t destroy what we partly built’ — Ndigbo Lagos rejects planned protest

The Coalition of Igbo political and social-cultural groups and market leaders in Lagos says its members will not be part of the proposed August 1-10 nationwide protest.

In a press conference on Tuesday, the coalition also advised traders of Igbo extraction in the state to stay home and not open their businesses on days of the protest.

The coalition is made up of 16 groups, including the Council of Ndieze in Lagos, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos, South-East Forum in Lagos, Igbo Mandate, seven Igbo town unions, the Igbo-speaking community, Igbo Vision APC Lagos, Igbo Market Men and Women Associations, and Ndigbo in APC.

Anselm Njoku, the coalition’s coordinator, said the “faceless organisers of this planned protest are not known to us, not Igbos, and are merely hiding under Ndigbo names, dropping Igbo names to create confusion and gather credibility”.

“We are distancing ourselves and the entire Ndigbo in Lagos from the planned protest by some unscrupulous faceless elements, who are partly using Igbo nomenclatures to fan the embers of unsounded agitation,” Njoku said.

“Nigerians should develop a culture of dialogue with the government and deploy constructive criticism without resorting to unnecessary provocative protests and violence.

“It is in this regard that we enjoin all Igbo of all extraditions, stakeholders, residents, traders, and captains of industries not to join in the protest.

“Lagos is Yoruba land, and Ndigbo, who are residents here, have contributed immensely to its development, so they cannot be used, coerced in whatever form, to destroy assets.

“We are not destruction-prone and cannot be part of those seeking to destroy what we partly built. Ndigbo are not wired for destruction but develop wherever we are residing.

“Let it be known that from all intelligence gatherings, the faceless organisers of this planned protest are not known to us, not Igbos, and are merely hiding under Ndigbo names, dropping Igbo names to create confusion and gather credibility.

“We are also using this opportunity to thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the South-East Development Commission, for deeming it right, and due to appoint an Igbo illustrious son as the Chief of Naval Staff, therefore allowing the Igbo ethnic group a say in the National Security structure.

“We will greatly appreciate it if the president makes the commission rewarding and beneficial to Ndigbo in general, touching the lives of people in that zone.”

Meanwhile, a group of young men were seen warning traders and customers at the Lagos Island market to avoid the protest.

The nationwide protest is slated to commence on Thursday.

The federal government has appealed to the organisers to shelve the demonstrations.

On Monday, some youths staged a march in Abuja to counter the planned protest.