- Vows To Track Down Promoters Of Hate in Lagos
By Abiola Olawale
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has distanced himself and as well as the state government from any involvement with a Pro-Lagos Social Media account identified as Lagospedia, calling for the evacuation of Igbo-speaking people of Southeast extraction from the State.
Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued by his media aide, Gboyega Akosile, stated that he is aware of the “reckless, divisive, and dangerous rhetoric,” from the aforementioned account and has taken steps to track down the promoters.
The Governor assured that the security agencies are investigating the account to uncover the individual behind it.
He also maintained that Lagos remains home to every Nigerian citizen, regardless of their ethnic nationality.
The statement reads in part: “The attention of Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been drawn to a post by LagosPedia, a social media handle on X (formerly Twitter) that calls on the Igbo to vacate Lagos and Southwest of Nigeria and brace up for a massive hashtag #IgboMustGo protest from 20th to 30th August 2024.
“The Governor of Lagos State and indeed, Lagos State Government wish to distance themselves from the reckless, divisive and dangerous rhetoric, saying Lagos remains home to every Nigerian citizen regardless of their ethnic nationality.
“Governor Sanwo-Olu views the post as not only reckless and divisive but an attempt to sow a seed of discord between the Yoruba in the Southwest and other tribes, especially those who have made Lagos their permanent place of abode.
“The Governor appeals to Lagosians not to allow any person or group of individuals to create tensions in the State, calling on the security agencies to promptly investigate those behind the handle and bring them to justice.”
It would be recalled that am X (formerly Twitter) handle @Lagospedia, a page claiming to be “proclaiming the virtues of Lagos”, has come under public scrutiny for publishing hate comments against the Igbo ethnic group.
The Lagospedia, on July 27, tweeted a call for the Yoruba in Nigeria’s southwest to march in protest against Igbos residing in the region.
“Lagosians and every Southwest stakeholder should prepare for the massive protest of #IgboMustGo on the 20th – 30th of August,” Lagospedia tweeted.
