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Iwuanyanwu: No One Can Negate the Contribution of Igbos to Developing Lagos, Unjustified Hate Speech Directed Towards Us
The President General of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, has emphasized that the derogatory remarks towards individuals of Igbo descent from various ethnic backgrounds are undeserved. He stated that any well-intentioned Nigerian acknowledges the significant contribution of the Igbo people in the nation-building process.
In an interview with ARISE NEWS, the Igbo leader urged the Nigerian government to compensate those affected by house demolitions amid purported targeting of Igbo residents in Lagos State.
Highlighting the constructive role of the Igbo community in nation-building, Iwuanyanwu noted that the Igbo populace did not protest when Lagos State was designated as the federal capital territory. Instead, out of allegiance, they relocated to these areas to contribute to the progress and advancement of the former FCT.
He said, “Igbos come in in the normal zeal, in the normal way they operate, they came in, they bought land from owners. When they came, there were people who owned the place. They were there. So, Igbos didn’t come to acquire empty land. Whatever property they have, they bought from people who owned it, and they made developments. And every man of goodwill, every honest Nigerian will know that Igbos have played a lot of role in the development of Lagos. There is no way you can exclude the role of Igbos. What makes a capital big is not somebody thinking, it is my own, it is my own. It is the number of people, the number of people who come from various places to be there.”
He then said that the same thing happened when the FCT was moved to Abuja, as he explained that at that time, even though Nnamdi Azikiwe suggested that the FCT be moved to the South East, Igbos moved into Abuja when it was declared the FCT to contribute to development.
He said, “We were told that Abuja which is going to be a Federal Capital will be a home for every Nigerian, irrespective of tribe, irrespective of religion. In the same manner Igbos moved into Lagos, Igbos moved into Abuja.
“Yes, federal government have made a lot of investment, but federal government cannot develop the capital without individual input. I think anybody of goodwill will know that Igbos have birthed and played a lot of part in making Abuja what it is today.”
Iwuanyanwu then said, “What is worrying us as Igbos is that instead of Nigeria to appreciate us, instead of Nigeria to acknowledge this capacity of Igbos, they’re making hate statements, some of them, they’re saying calling us all sorts of names, and that is very embarrassing to us, embarrassing even to our younger ones who are children.
“I think really that this is a fundamental issue. We want Nigerians to help us to stop people who are making hate speeches. The hate speeches create problem, and it could lead to problem. The younger ones today, our children are getting worried.”
Concerning the recent spate of demolitions targeting structures purportedly owned by predominantly Igbo residents in Lagos State, Iwuanyanwu expressed that it was unjust for the government to initiate these actions during a period of economic hardship and insecurity.
He said, “Any act that will be stopping somebody’s means of livelihood, stopping employment, creating crisis, should be very seriously taken serious and then probably postponed.”
Iwuanyanwu then said, on behalf of Igbos, “We are demanding the following; One, that government should stop demolition because there is crisis in this country, crisis in the economy, crisis on employment. We talk of all this kidnapping and all these problems, part of the problem is unemployment, economic issues, and these things will make it worse.
“Number two, government should not say they won’t pay compensation, because Igbos, all the ones I’ve seen never took away the land forcefully from anybody. If they took away land forcefully, the person should come and tell the world. They bought it from the original owners. There is no land in this country that didn’t have original owner. Yes, the government has a right, we don’t doubt that. If the government wants to take that, they now will value it.
“They now will give them sufficient time. You don’t just give them five days or six days, give them time to pack out. Many people have no money. Most of them are poor traders who have over the years made money, saving 1500, this and that until they make 1 million or so, they are poor people. If you say you’re giving them five days, where will they go? Some of them are homeless, so give them sufficient time, they will pack away. And then, pay them compensation for the structure they have built, so that they will know that the government is fair to them. That’s all we’re demanding.”
The Lagos State Government has said it would soon arrange a meeting with developers/owners of distressed buildings on how best to address the redesign and remodelling of such structures by November.
This was disclosed recently by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Oluyinka Olumide, at a function in Alahusa, Lagos.
Olumide said the prevalence of distressed buildings in different parts of the state was worrisome and needed the urgent attention of all stakeholders.
He said, “The Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development as mandated by the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, 2019, as amended, was willing to extend its responsibility for approving the remodelling of existing buildings to provide technical assistance to developers and owners of distressed buildings, especially on the design and remodelling of such buildings.
The Federal Government has instructed the contractors responsible for the 107km Enugu-Onitsha road dualization to expedite the project.
This directive was given by the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, during a meeting with MTN, the Enugu State Government, and the contractors, RCC Ltd and Nigercat Ltd, on Friday.
According to a statement released on Friday, the minister said he is disappointed over the slow pace of work on the project, he said, “Let me express my disappointment over the slow pace of work on that project. It is one of the worst roads in this country.
“Everywhere we have diversion; diverting from the one that RCC and Nigercat had completed, the contractors are not kind enough to even put stone based on the diversion points.”
He added, “So, by the reason of the launching of our Operation Free our Roads, it is now a violation of the policy on the side of the controllers and directors of the Federal Ministry of Works where we have vehicles falling on any project that is ongoing or where there are potholes on our roads.”
He also blamed the sufferings of road users on the lack of commitment and insensitivity of the contractors.
“The public must know that the President’s intention is not for them to suffer while trying to fix the roads, and it is their right to insist that contractors should fix the roads that they are engaged on,” he said.
The Minister commended the Enugu state government for their resolve to fund the construction of a 20 KM section of the road and expressed hope that MTN would execute the second phase of the project.
He noted, “Why the Enugu State government is intervening is because of the slow pace of work by the contractors and because of funding issues. The essence of tax credit is for funds to be made available. And so, I don’t see RCC going to keep their promise to finish this project in 6 months.
“My advice to MTN is to look for another contractor within that axis if they want to get the job done. Division of labour is even the best. While they are doing the road, and if Nigercat is doing a good job, you can give them greater scope to do if you want to finish that job.”
He warned contractors that the Federal Government would not accept phased handovers of projects and has phased out Variation of Price in contract administration.
The Ekiti State government has intervened to resolve a longstanding land dispute between the Elepe of Epe-Ekiti, Oba Ayodele Adesoye, and the Atolagbe family. The government cautioned against the misuse of modernization as an excuse to disregard traditional customs.
In line with the community’s traditions, the government has ordered the release of resources, including palm trees at Oko Oba Farmland, to Oba Adesoye for his administration. This decision ensures the continued adherence to age-old practices.
Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, announced the resolution in Ado-Ekiti. The decision was made after considering the Elepe’s claim to Oko Oba Farmland based on historical evidence.
Mrs. Afuye acknowledged the Elepe’s right to be the custodian of Oko Oba Farmland, citing longstanding traditions that support his claim. The decision reflects the importance of respecting historical practices and ensuring their preservation.
The deputy governor, however, told the monarch in clear terms that other princes and princesses from all the three ruling houses should be allowed to farm on the land without payment of royalty.
Mrs Afuye appealed to the community to comply with the government’s position to restore unity, peace and orderliness to the beleaguered community.
Oba Adesoye expressed gratitude for the government’s decision and pledged to foster peace and unity between the throne and the community, aiming to accelerate Epe’s development.
Representing the Atolagbe family, Dr. Yemi Agbeleoba acknowledged their willingness to cede Oko Oba Farmland to the monarch. However, he emphasized the need for all three ruling houses to participate for a lasting and traditional solution.
Agbeleoba expressed appreciation for the government’s directive, believing it will contribute to resolving the long-standing conflict.
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