THE Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has urged Igbo living in Lagos State to reject a purported letter written by some stakeholders calling for dialogue between Igbo and Yoruba residents.
Spokesman of the group, Emma Powerful, in a statement, claimed that the dialogue was only meant to lure the Igbo traders in the state from changing their minds about relocating their investments to the South East.
Giving reasons for rejecting the dialogue, Powerful said Igbo have always been victims of any crisis in the state, and other parts of the country, hence their decision to relocate their businesses to their zone.
He said: “Ndigbo must not fall into any deception to continue investments in Lagos State, where their investments are not protected.
“As much as IPOB does not oppose any genuine dialogue between the Yoruba and Ndigbo in Lagos State, IPOB will object to any dialogue that is intended to lure Ndigbo to continue investing in the hostile environment of Lagos State.
“Ndigbo have done all they can to belong to Nigeria, but Nigeria keeps rejecting them with exclusivity and ethnic bigotry policies. Ndigbo have lost millions of investments and lives in the Northern and Western regions of Nigeria.
“In the North, Ndigbo are always the victims of any religious and political riots during which Northerners destroy, loot, and burn down businesses and property belonging to the Igbo.
“Recently, in the Western region, particularly in Lagos State, Biafran businesses and property have been targeted by the Lagos State Government, and we will no longer allow our people to continue investing in Yoruba land.
“Lagos State is not Igboland. Lagos State Government has demolished property and investment of Ndigbo. Many Igbo dominated markets in Lagos have either been demolished or burnt down and taken over by the Lagos State Government.
“On the basis of the aforementioned, any Igbo person investing in the Northern and Western regions of Nigeria needs DNA tests.
“IPOB calls on all Biafrans to stop investing in Yoruba land and Arewa land. All investments should be channelled to Biafran land. Our people who invested in Biafra land are doing well and are helping to create jobs for our youths.
“Biafrans have been an engine of growth in any society they find themselves in. In all parts of the world where Ndigbo reside, they directly or indirectly contribute to the development of that area. It’s in our DNA to build others alongside ourselves, and we cannot stop because it is our covenant with God Almighty (Chukwu Okike Abiama) to bring light wherever we go. However, enough of investing in the hostile regions of Nigeria, where our investments are not secure. Let us take our investments to Igboland where our investments will be safe,” Powerful said.
He added: “Where was this Yoruba group when Governor Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos House of Assembly promulgated a law that targeted the Igbo businesses and property in Lagos?
“How many of Ndigbo were compensated after their businesses and property were demolished? Ndigbo should go back home and invest and forget Yoruba land.
“Irrespective of the state sponsored insecurity Fulani stooges called governors use to deter investments, Alaigbo is still more conducive and secure for investment compared to the enemy territories of the West and the North. Ndigbo should know that Nigeria dislikes the audacity and ambitious spirit of an Igbo person.
“Instead of learning and adapting to the doggedness of Ndigbo, many Nigerians envy us. This unwarranted envy, jealousy, and blessings of Chukwu Okike Abiama is the reason the Igbo are being targeted.
“Returning your property and investments home is a signal to our willingness for Biafra freedom and sovereignty. Do not allow yourself to be a victim of abandoned property or discriminatory policies.
“Ndigbo must not fall into repetitive deception of the so-called ‘One Nigeria.’ The ethnic sentiments displayed against Ndigbo because of Mr. Peter Obi’s presidential ambition cannot be overstated. That should be an eye-opener to all.
“There is a lot of land in Igboland and a young and vibrant population to make businesses boom. Together, we can build our own Dubai and Japan of Africa in Biafraland.”
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