The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has slammed a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bode George, for criticising the contribution of Igbos to the development of Lagos State.
In a statement issued by its spokesman, Dr. Alex Ogbonnia, Ohanaeze described George’s remarks as “unstatesmanly, bigoted, and narrow-minded.”
George had recently criticised Igbos for focusing on developing Lagos instead of their own states. He argued that it was “unpatriotic” for them to be preoccupied with “who owns Lagos” when the country faced numerous challenges.
However, Ohanaeze countered that Igbos played a crucial role in transforming Lagos from marshlands into the bustling metropolis it is today.
“Any person who knows Lagos will agree with the Igbo leader that some of the Igbo properties are standing on what used to be swamps,” the statement asserted.
Ohanaeze further questioned the logic behind George’s statement, adding that many Nigerians contribute to the development of Abuja, the nation’s capital.
“George’s theory will also query why other Nigerians are obligated to the development of Abuja to give it the required international status,” the statement added.
Furthermore, Ohanaeze criticised George’s suggestion that destroying Igbo properties in Lagos would alleviate poverty. The organisation accused him of selective outrage, citing his silence on the destruction of parts of the Alaba International Market and the intimidation of voters in Lagos State.
“Ohanaeze has watched with dismay, the selective vocality of Chief Bode George; when many parts of the Alaba International Market were destroyed, George was mute. When there was intimidation of voters in Lagos State, George was mute, among several others,” the statement added.
