Igbos for a Progressive Nigeria (IPAN) has warned the presidential candidate of African Action Congress in the 2019 general elections, Omoyele Sowore and others, to desist from using Igbos to perpetuating his plans geared towards disintegrating Nigeria.
This was disclosed in a release signed by the National President of IPAN and his South East Secretary, Mr Lawrence Onuzulike and Michael Chibuzor respectively.
The group called on Igbos to shun involving in any activity that would not promote the unity of Nigeria.
It was stated in the release, “Our attention has been drawn to a planned protest at the Lekki tollgate on February 13th 2021 which is being spearheaded by the presidential candidate of African Action Congress in the 2019 general elections, Omoyele Sowore and others.
“This planned protest is obviously in response to the decision of the Lagos Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Police Brutality to allow the Lekki Concession Company to repossess the Lekki tollgate.
“IPAN views this move by Sowore as another attempt to start a fresh round of violence, destruction of properties and looting of businesses in Lagos.
“Many businesses and public facilities are yet to recover from the destruction of last October.
“We, therefore, call on the Igbos to shun this self-seeking planned protest by Sowore. Sowore must stop constituting a nuisance to the country and approach the courts instead if he is dissatisfied with the Panel’s decision.
“IPAN most importantly calls on well-meaning Igbos residing in Lagos not to allow a failed politician, as well as a fugitive controlling the thinking of his followers, turn the Igbos against the Yoruba nation.
“Igbos in Lagos should not allow themselves to be used as tools to destroy a state that has always welcomed them and allowed them to thrive.
“We also call on Igbo artistes such as Peter Okoye (popularly known as Mr. P), Obianuju Catherine Udeh (popularly known as DJ Switch) and many others who are seemingly egging the people to embark on a misguided protest while safely away in their comfort zones to desist from this misadventure.
“Enough is enough, IPAN says no to lawlessness Igbo leaders should wake up and lend their voices to this call to avoid further damage to the image of Ndigbo in the eyes of other ethnic groups.
“IPAN also wishes to appeal to the security agencies to be proactive and protect the public infrastructure in Lagos from arson.
“We also call on the Lagos State government not to fold its arms and watch the state go through another round of coordinated destruction. Once bitten they say, twice shy.” IPAN stated.