Chief Bode George, a prominent leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has vehemently condemned recent calls by some groups urging Igbo people to leave Lagos, as reported by PUNCH.
George dismissed such campaigns as “arrant nonsense” and “sheer stupidity.” He expressed strong disapproval of the idea, questioning why anyone would state that the Igbo community, who have long been part of Lagos, should leave.
During an interactive session with the media at his Ikoyi office, George reflected on his personal experiences growing up alongside the Igbo in Lagos. He recalled playing local football with them and emphasized that Lagos has always been a welcoming city where traders are encouraged to bring their goods, do business, and contribute to the economy.
George argued that those advocating for the expulsion of the Igbo are likely not true Lagosians themselves and lack any genuine connection to the city.
“It is nonsense. I say it is arrant nonsense. Why should we be saying that the Igbo people should leave? We have grown with them here. I had known them. We played local football, local football together.I think those who are proposing or talking about it are not Lagos indigenes themselves,” he said.
George highlighted the deep historical ties between Lagos and the Igbo community. He pointed out that Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, an Igbo leader and Nigeria’s first President, was closely associated with Sir Herbert Macaulay, his great grand uncle, during the nationalist struggles.
Azikiwe’s involvement in Lagos politics and his partnership with Macaulay were pivotal before the emergence of figures like Obafemi Awolowo. Given this history, George found it nonsensical to harbor hostility toward the Igbo, who have significantly contributed to Lagos since its creation in 1967.
George emphasized that the Igbo community has played a crucial role in Lagos, purchasing and building homes, and contributing to the city’s economic growth.
He said, “Why are you fighting them? Does it make sense? Lagos State was created in 1967. Since that time to now, the Igbo have had their contributions. So, to me, such campaign is idiotic. Very idiotic. They should stop.
“They should just shut up. If they have a right to come here, why are they blocking others? The Igbo have their own contribution to make.
“They are buying houses and building houses. They are contributing to the development of economic activities in Lagos. They are most welcome.”
The recent social media campaigns targeting the Igbo, particularly during the build-up to the #EndBadGovernmentInNigeria protests, drew widespread attention, including that of President Bola Tinubu. In his national broadcast, Tinubu condemned these ethnic sentiments, asserting that there is no room for such divisiveness in Nigeria….Sêe_Morē