BY MYKE UZENDU
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government to arrest and prosecute promoters of genocidal threats against the Igbos living and earning their livelihoods in Lagos in particular and the South West in general.
Atiku in a statement he issued late on Thursday, noted that the recent call on @X (formerly @twitter) for a protest under the hashtag #IgboMustGo, demanding the forced relocation of Igbo people from Lagos and other Southwest states, is deeply troubling.
He also noted that it was fundamentally opposed to the principles of unity and coexistence that define our nation.
Atiku said, “Such rhetoric is not only divisive but also endangers our peace and security, as our Constitution guarantees every Nigerian the right to live and work freely anywhere in the country.
“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.
“I call on the Nigerian government and relevant authorities to take immediate and strong action against those inciting such hatred and division. It is imperative to investigate, arrest, and prosecute individuals promoting ethnic discrimination and violence.
“The rule of law must prevail, and those found guilty of incitement should face the full extent of legal consequences.
“Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity, and we must resist any efforts to sow discord among our people.
“Lagos and the Southwest have long been melting pots of cultures where individuals from various backgrounds contribute to our collective growth and developmen
“The Igbo community, along with all other ethnic groups, is an integral part of this vibrant mosaic.
“I urge all Nigerians to stand united against this divisive rhetoric and to champion unity, tolerance, and understanding. Our future depends on our ability to live and work together harmoniously.
“The government and security agencies must act swiftly to protect this fundamental principle and ensure that every Nigerian can live free from fear of discrimination or persecution.
“It is alarming that, five days after this threat emerged, there has been a troubling silence. Immediate action to arrest, investigate, and prosecute those behind this heinous agenda is crucial.
“This will serve as a deterrent to others who might consider pursuing similar paths that threaten our national security.”
Protests: Review your policies now – PDP tells Tinubu
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday charged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to immediately review all its anti-people policies that are asphyxiating life in the country.
The Party in a statement on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Hon Debo Ologunagba said that the nationwide protest by Nigerians would not have come if the APC government had dropped its arrogance, insensitivity and show sincere commitment to the citizens by taking steps to address the current hardship occasioned by its ill-implemented polices.
The party reminded Nigerians that it had on several occasions, offered advice on the state of the economy wherein it urged that “President Tinubu should listen to the heartbeat of Nigerians. There is hunger and destitution in the land. The reaction of a hungry people is better imagined! Mr. President, please act now”.
The party lamented that these counsels did not receive the expected consideration resulting in the current situation.
“It is alarming that instead of engaging Nigerians and addressing their concerns, the APC allegedly recruited hoodlums to instigate violence so as to justify a clampdown and killing of innocent Nigerians.
“The APC is completely insensitive to the fact that more than 120 million Nigerians have become destitute and can no longer afford their daily meals and other basic necessities of life as poverty rate soars to over 40% because of the life-discounting policies of the APC administration” PDP stated.
The opposition party said that any people-oriented government ought to have been wary of the suffocating effect of the hasty and ill-implemented twin policies of abrupt increase in the price of petroleum products and arbitrary floating of the Naira without due cushioning measures to ensure the wellbeing of the people.
The PDP restated that these thoughtless policies of the APC administration are responsible for the crippling of the productive sector with the crashing of the Naira to over N1,500 to a Dollar, fuel soaring to over N1,000 per liter, which in turn triggered high costs of goods and services with over 34% inflation rate, over 40% unemployment rate with the closure of millions of businesses and mass exodus of major multi-national companies from our country.
“The APC has plunged Nigeria into a humanitarian crisis where millions of citizens are literarily starving and dying of hunger. Sadly, today a bag of rice sells for over N85,000; a bag of beans goes for N150,000; a measure of garri now sells for N1,500 while a measure of cooking oil which sold for N1,200 now sells for N12,000 with prices of all food items increasing daily.
“More provocative is that while Nigerians are crying for food, the APC officials in government are busy looting the national treasury to fund their luxury appetite, including acquisition of luxury jets, expensive holidays abroad, renovation of official residential mansions and other profligacies, without regard to the feeling and the pains of majority of Nigerians.
“Also disturbing is the scandalous revelation that the APC administration is secretly paying a whopping N5.4 trillion as fuel subsidy for 2024 even after the President announced an end to fuel subsidy”.
PDP said that what Nigerians expect at this time is for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to personally address the nation, announce major policy reviews and order investigation into the alleged looting of subsidy and palliative funds.
The party said that Mr. President should also review all luxury items and purchases in the APC government and channel the resources for immediate intervention in the provision of food and other essential commodities to Nigerians.
The PDP called on Nigerians to remain peaceful and law-abiding in the pursuit of good governance in the country.