Former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections, Atiku Abubakar, has urged the Federal Government to take decisive action against those behind the controversial #IgboMustGo campaign on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter).
According to Channels TV, the campaign has issued a one-month notice, demanding that Igbos vacate the South West region. The call has sparked widespread concern, with a planned protest against the Igbo community set to take place between August 20th and 30th, 2024.
The faceless organizers of the #IgboMustGo movement have also urged Yorubas living in the South-East to return to the South-West, escalating fears of ethnic tension. In response, Atiku expressed his deep concern over the situation, highlighting the dangerous implications of such divisive rhetoric.
"The recent call on X for a protest under the hashtag #IgboMustGo, demanding the forced relocation of Igbo people from Lagos and other Southwest states, is deeply troubling and fundamentally opposed to the principles of unity and coexistence that define our nation," Atiku stated.
He emphasized that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to live and work freely anywhere in the country, condemning the campaign as a threat to peace and security.
Atiku drew parallels to historical events, warning of the consequences of allowing hatred and bigotry to go unchecked. "History has shown us the consequences of allowing hatred and bigotry to fester, as seen in Rwanda. What began with inflammatory rhetoric led to devastating outcomes. We must learn from these lessons and act decisively," he cautioned.
The former vice president called on the Nigerian government and relevant authorities to urgently investigate, arrest, and prosecute individuals promoting ethnic discrimination and violence. He stressed the importance of the rule of law and the need for swift action to prevent further escalation.
"Nigeria's strength lies in its diversity, and we must resist any efforts to sow discord among our people," Atiku declared. He highlighted the significant contributions of the Igbo community and other ethnic groups to the nation's growth and development, particularly in the culturally rich and diverse region of Lagos and the Southwest.
In his statement, Atiku appealed for national unity, urging Nigerians to stand against divisive rhetoric and champion values of tolerance and understanding. He expressed alarm over the lack of a robust response from authorities, stressing the urgency of protecting the right of every Nigerian to live without fear of discrimination or persecution.
"It is alarming that, five days after this threat emerged, there has been a troubling silence," Atiku noted. He concluded by calling for immediate government action, underscoring the need to arrest and prosecute those responsible for the campaign, as a deterrent to others who might contemplate similar actions.
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