December 27, 2014 – Ndigbo Cultural Society of Nigeria (NCSN) has written to the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola alleging that they have been given unfair treatment in the politics and governance of Lagos State.
The Lagos State Government accommodates at least two Ndigbo in government, Commissioner for Budget, Pastor Ben Akabueze and Publicity Secretary of APC, Lagos, and General Manager, Lagos State Infrastructure Regulatory Agency(LASIMRA), Mr. Joe Igbokwe but NCSN believes that Ndigbos who contribute substantially to the economy of Lagos state are treated like orphans and wondered why they should continue to support the APC led government.
In the letter signed by President of the group, Chief Udo Udeogaranya, NCSN alleged that they have been marginalised in Lagos politics adding that they only have one counsellor to show in Lagos in the past 16 years even in areas dominated by Ndigbo. Besides they alleged that the Fashola-led APC government has withheld infrastructural development from areas dominated by Ndigbo.
“Ndigbo have campaigned and voted massively for your party in the previous elections except for Presidential elections, but what is our political fortunes, after these years of solid support?
“Lagos State remains a homeland of Nigeria Multi-Ethnic group, the resource of the State is not found in the rich oil and gas or any other natural resource, but rather on the people of Lagos State and proceeds of their labour, on which Ndigbo accounts for a very large percentage.
“Despite this, Ndigbo are not permitted by your party, All Progressives Congress (APC) to have a political say, by making sure that in the 376 ward seats, 20 LGA seats, 37 LCDA seats, 40 State House seats, 24 Federal House seats, 3 Senatorial Seats, 1 Deputy and 1 Governorship seats, Ndigbo are completely excluded including areas of the State that are predominated by the Igbo residents, except 1 Counilorship seat in Ajegunle. Is your party, APC suggesting that that those who contribute their resource should not have a say on how it should be managed?”, the group said.
It added that they have been frustrated in business, citing example of frequent closure of Ladipo Market. They are asking if Ndigbo in Lagos who are doing very well are less qualified than Yorubas.
See Full text of letter below.
Governor Babatunde Fashola, SAN
Governor’s Office
Alausa, Ikeja
Lagos State
Your Excellency,
Re: ARE YOU (APC) THE ONE TO COME OR SHALL WE LOOK FOR ANOTHER
Correct us if we are wrong, but about 16 years of stewardship, since the inception of this Fourth Republic, your political organisation, All Progressives Congress (APC) owes Ndigbo Community of Lagos State an obligation to explain to us what is it in the CHANGE that your party continues to clamor, when we have seen nothing except change of name of AD to ACN and now to APC or do we vote for another party.
Ndigbo have campaigned and voted massively for your party in the previous elections except for Presidential elections, but what is our political fortunes, after these years of solid support?
Lagos State remains a homeland of Nigeria Multi-Ethnic group, the resource of the State is not found in the rich Oil and Gas or any other natural resource, but rather on the people of Lagos State and proceeds of their labour, on which Ndigbo accounts for a very large percentage.
Despite this, Ndigbo are not permitted by your party, All Progressives Congress (APC) to have a political say, by making sure that in the 376 ward seats, 20 LGA seats, 37 LCDA seats, 40 State House seats, 24 Federal House seats, 3 Senatorial Seats, 1 Deputy and 1 Governorship seats, Ndigbo are completely excluded including areas of the State that are predominated by the Igbo residents, except 1 Counilorship seat in Ajegunle. Is your party, APC suggesting that that those who contribute their resource should not have a say on how it should be managed?
Markets in Lagos State that can be called Ndigbo markets, for instance the Ladipo Auto Parts market as a test case, have been shut down severally and at will, even with pleadings from South-East State Governors were not enough for your APC led government of Lagos State to understand the need to allow these markets function without unnecessary government intrusions. Is there a change to the policy or is it still business as usual?
Appointments in Lagos State have never reflected on the constitutional stipulation of carrying all the people of the state along, even at local council levels, particularly in the appointment of judges in the state. Are Yorubas better qualified than other Nigerians in Lagos State?
Lagos State Government continues to fund Eyo Festival but leaves the Igbo day Festival or New Yam festival to South-East governors to fund. Should Ndigbo then pay their dues to South-East Sates governments?
Lagos State House of Assembly continues to conduct the house business on Yoruba language, translating that Lagos State is now a mono lingual State, is this as a negligence of facts on ground or that Ndigbo offspring in Lagos State should forgo their cultural background or give up their political rights?
Various sons and daughters of Ndigbo in Lagos State have complained bitterly over the ridiculous process in practice it is for an Igbo to obtain necessary government approvals without having to go through Yoruba facilitators. Is this to underscore that one race have become superior to another?
Areas in the State densely populated by Ndigbo like Coker, Ajao Estate etc.. have not smelt any completed infrastructural development projects of the Lagos State government, or are there?
On the deportation of the 72, you have apologized and apology accepted and therefore case closed.
We wait patiently for your answers or we shall look for another come February 2015.
Chief Udo Udeogaranya
President
Ndigbo Cultural Society of Nigeria (NCSN)
I can’t blame the ndigbos at all. I blame those who accord them the unnecessary attention initially. Why won’t they insult yorubas by comparing eligibility of ndigbos with yorubas in their own land. They asked if they should pay their dues to eastern govt. My answer is yes if they can move their business back to the east and easter customers only.
Honestly these people are not serious at all. They should correct me too maybe there are yoruba councillors in any of the eastern states. How many yorubas are in their pay roll in the eastern govt states. I know quite well numbers of ndigbos who are in level 17( the highest level in civil servant cadre in Lagos). Lagos state schools are populated by ndigbos wards enjoying free education at the expense of tax payers. In fact if not for time constrians, I would have pointed out more.
My submission: Yorubas be careful and watchful, Lagos state govt do same. These poeple are gradually and smartly requesting for too much which nobody can try in their own land. Don’t play politics with our birth right for prosperity sake I beg of you. Ndigbos are smart and they are coming and proving it gradually! Hmmmmmmm!
U r a fool to talk to igbos like that remember fashola did n apologise
This is the higher nonsense of highest order, Igbo people in person like Chief Udo Udeogaranya have no conscience at all level of humanity. The Igbo residing in Lagos have benefited more than Lagoons in times of political office holding, I believes that no amount of post or position begin given to you people you cant be hady to ijow,ilaje,egbado housa,isheiri nupe beginning claiming all this fool play. I no number of Igbo in high top civil service/political office hold in lagos state. Know this is how is stated in view an Igbo people will begin requested for our traditional institutions in yoruba land. Efurao…..