ON IGBO "DEPORTATION".

Please permit me to add my own humble two cents to the ongoing debate. First and foremost some of us think the act of "deportation" of fellow citizens (regardless of their state of origins) within Nigerian stateis unconstitutional and it is a war against the poor and the have-nots. 


Having said that I think we also have to sympathize with Lagos state government, because at a time Lagos was fast becoming a dumping ground for all sorts of human wastes and social misfits (excuse my characterization, please!) from all other states in the country, owing largely to the inability of other member states to take adequate care of their people. The truth is, Urban planning and development requires a lot of tough measure and difficult decisions, and as such, the poor are always the first to go. Besides, Lagos has always sounded the warning for all to hear that she can no longer serves as human refuse dump (excuse my language!) for all other federating units. The governor through his body language has been telling everybody that he's driven by the vision of transforming Lagos to mega-cities like Singapore, Dubai etc. 

Many of us travel abroad, we like what we see there. We compare and contrast, and in the process (at times) rain some curses on our leaders back home for not doing the needful. But we fail to realize that to make an omelette, you have got to break some eggs. For development to happen, a lot of sacrifices will have to be made.

Now coming to the issue of "Igbo deportation". In my humble opinion (and I am not afraid to be labelled as being bias) some people, especially political opportunists, are blowing the unfortunate incidents out of proportion just to gain some cheap political mileage. First, the numbers of the "deported" destitute was inflated and the Anambra governor never told the world that there has been correspondence between its government and Lagos state government concerning the issue at hand. To me, that smacks of insincerity and dishonesty. Whipping up tribal sentiments and portraying the Igbos as the objects of victimization, when in actual fact the same exercise is being carried out by other states (and even Anambra state) in the country on a regular basis, is nothing but teary emotionalism!

And, seriously, what gall me most is what Orji Uzor Kalu said and what his ilks have been saying ever since the "deportation" issue has been sensationalized. And, I shouldn't be surprised though, because Kalu has been desperately searching for political relevance and recognition ever since he left office few years ago. The "deportation" issue has become an avenue for him to climb back to recognition. The question that should be asked Kalu and other Igbo social crusaders are: Where were they when the same Anambra State in Dec 2011 arrested and "deported" some 29 beggars to Eboinyi and Akwa Ibom states. Where were they when Abia State in 2011 sacked 3,000 workers on the pretext that they were non-indigene.

Again, I remember, there was no flaring of nostrils, no dilation of eyes, and no delirious talk when Lagos state government sent some indigenes of Oyo, Osun, Kwara and some northern states, packing. With due respect to some of my good Igbo friends (who are far-sighted and less emotional), I really don't understand why the Igbos view everything through ethnic prisms. I don't know why they always give everything that concerns their nation some tribal colourations. There have been a lot of insults here and there since the issue broke out. Some of them are even saying Lagos is a "no man's land" and that "apart from the income from the federal allocation, the second largest source of revenue for Lagos State comes from investments by Igbo". Well, it is really not my pay grade
to defend Lagos in that aspect, as eminent Yoruba Scholars who are expert enough on that matter are already doing so. And, the historical cold facts remain in the public domain for those who have value for history and research.

Lastly, for those who will continue to hurl insults at some of us on social media, the same advice I gave one of your brothers should suffice:
"Spreading hates and insulting people from other race, using uncouth verbiage and gutter language is not only uncharitable but also a descent into the cesspool of infamy.

Since you're a man of considerable intellect with bravura and strong moral fiber, why don't you channel your latent energy and aggression towards fighting against the barbarous butchery of Igbo race in the Northern Nigeria. For starters, you can establish an NGO to fight such a mindless brutality and those brutal bullies.

I think such barbarous cruelty, up there, deserves more attention than flaring nostrils and throwing needless punches at your gracious Landlords here.

By the way, I dont think this page is all about hates or ethnic jingoism. If it is, then I'm taking my leave"

THANK YOU.

ADEDAYO GABRIEL FATOKI