• Uzodimma, Sanwo -Olu Raise Panel To Broker Peace
• Lagos Suspends Further Demolition Of Alaba Market
• Compensation To Be Paid
The All Progressives Congress (APC) South-East Strategic Engagement Forum (ASESEF) has welcomed the ongoing peace initiative between the Lagos State government and critical Igbo stakeholders.
In a statement jointly signed by the National Coordinator, Moses Okezie-Okafor and the National Secretary, Dr. Uche Nworah, the forum praised both parties for doing everything possible to give peace a chance.
The forum noted that the recent tension in relations between Ndigbo living in Lagos and their hosts could be traced to statements made by some parties, candidates and their supporters during the 2023 general elections.
The forum also expressed concern about the demolition of some sections of Alaba International Market by officials of the state government, noting that it added to the misunderstanding. They thanked Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for assuring that interests of Ndigbo living in Lagos, as well as their investments, would be protected.
Meanwhile, both Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, had raised a panel to broker peace between the Igbo and Yoruba.
This was disclosed in a statement issued, at the weekend, after both governors met in Lagos to resolve the frosty relationship between the two ethnic groups.
A resolution was also taken to halt further demolition of any building in the market that is not in contravention.
It was also resolved that the reconciliatory committee be empanelled to “settle and douse the increasing tension between the two ethnic groups.”
Continuing, the APC Forum said: “It was further agreed that compensation would be paid for any wrong demolition in Alaba International Market, while taxes, rates and demand notice levied on Igbo real estate developers will be reviewed to ensure they are not outrageously prohibitive, punitive and seemingly targeted at them.” It would be recalled that the governor had addressed the press after the meeting and acknowledged that there were issues but they were being resolved.
“There has been a lot of wrong information and communication. Our conversation has cleared the air and we have seen the need for further collaboration and where wrongs have been expressed we corrected,” he said.
The forum, which described the governor’s statement as “pure statesmanship,” also commended Igbo stakeholders who have championed the peace initiative.
Among those commended were Uzodimma, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ben Kalu, Chief Ben Okoye, Paul Chukwuma, Sam Ohuabunwa, Joe Igbokwe, Jerry Chukwueke and others.
They noted that they were encouraged by the reassuring words of Uzodimma, based on the assurances of Sanwo-Olu, that Igbo interests in Lagos State are safe.
“The forum expressed trust that the committee that has been set up to further look into the issues will come up with strong recommendations that will help to deepen the relations between Ndigbo and their hosts in Lagos State even more,” the statement added.
It noted that nearly every family in Igboland has at least one member living in Lagos, stressing that peaceful coexistence of Ndigbo in Lagos would greatly enhance the governing party’s electoral fortunes in the South East.
“The Forum welcomes the peace moves because it believes that only through such strategic engagements can alliances be formed, stereotypes destroyed and mutually beneficial relationships strengthened,” the statement added.
