Joe Igbokwe, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has voiced his distress over the ongoing demolition of properties owned by Ndigbo in Lagos State.
Writing on his Facebook page, Igbokwe expressed exhaustion over the daily influx of distress calls from affected individuals, reports Persecondnews.
A veteran of Lagos governance, Igbokwe previously served as the Special Adviser for Drainage and Water Resources under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s first term.
His career also includes roles as the State Chairman of the defunct Action Congress and the pioneer General Manager of the Lagos State Infrastructure Maintenance & Regulatory Agency (LASIMRA).
The recent demolitions, particularly around the Trade Fair area, continue to spark significant backlash from local traders and residents.
The Association of Igbo Town Unions (ASITU) has accused the Lagos State Government of engaging in “ethnic cleansing by economic means” and has petitioned the United Nations Human Rights Council, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the ECOWAS Court of Justice.
ASITU President, Chief Emeka Diwe, described the exercise as “selective, discriminatory, and wicked,” and urged Igbo businesspeople to invest more in the Southeast through the “Aku Ruo Ulo” initiative.
Igbokwe said the Igbos have invested heavily in Lagos State for decades, calling on the government to find a middle ground for all.
He stated: “Hundreds of Igbo in Lagos have called me hours on end to complain of losing their houses. I am besieged everyday on this matter. Having been in Lagos for over 40 years, I know their humongous investment of Igbo in Lagos.
“I am besieged. I am tired. I am exhausted. I am choked up. I am diminished. I am weak. I am under pressure everyday. I want a solution to this serious matter. I want bridges for understanding.”
Igbokwe urged Gov. Sanwo-Olu to halt the demolitions without further delay.
“I want bridges for mutual relationships. I want peaceful peace in Lagos. I want a new deal with Igbo and the Yorubas in Lagos.
“Sanwo-Olu should look into the matter and find an amicable solution to the problem,” he appealed.
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