Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, has decried the tension generated due to the evacuation of some destitute to Anambra State by the Lagos State government.
He also faulted the purported petition to President Goodluck Jonathan over the issue by Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State.
In a chat with newsmen after inspecting the on-going light rail project and jetties in Mile 2 axis of the state, Fashola said the publicity generated by the matter was politically motivated.
According to him: “It is unfortunate that my colleague governor has made this a media issue.
“As I speak to you, I haven’t received any telephone call or letter from him, complaining over the issue and I don’t think that is the way government works.
“The relationship between Lagos and Anambra has always remained cordial. I remember that on less important matters, he had called me before and we discussed at length.
“I know that this is a political season and Anambra will be up for contest. In a political season, unusual things happen and perhaps, we are living in an interesting time.
“It is really important to say that our hospitality in Lagos State is legendary. It is a global legend that the people of Lagos State are hospitable people. So is the present government and the previous administration.”
Fashola maintained that his administration has a cordial relationship with the Igbo speaking community and would never put such in jeopardy.
Continuing: “I think that there are large Igbo communities in the state.
“Their presence is evident in Alaba International Market, the ASPAMDA market, among others.
“They are doing their businesses peacefully while the state government is working tirelessly to provide the required transport system that will help improve their businesses.
“There is too much at stake for anyone to begin to incite the Igbo community against their host state. There is too much at stake here.
He added that when he got a formal complaint from the government of Anambra State or notification from Presidency he would lay the facts bare.
Meanwhile, National Chairman of All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, Victor Umeh, at a briefing in Abuja, reacted to the development.
His words: “Our attention has been drawn to a publication where the Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, has protested to President Goodluck Jonathan in the dumping of destitute by Governor Fashola in Onitsha, Anambra State.”
“In fact, on Tuesday night the Governor of Anambra State showed me a report on the State Security Service that about 72 destitute were dumped at Onitsha by the officials of Lagos State Government, claiming that those destitute and criminals are from Anambra State.
“From investigation, some of the destitute were from Niger Republic, Delta, Ebonyi, Abia and Rivers States and other parts of Nigeria. Fashola in his professed desire to rid Lagos of criminals decided to convert Anambra state as a dumping ground for criminals.”
“This type of thing is not allowed within the Nigerian constitution. I hereby joined the Governor of Anambra State in calling on Fashola to go to Onitsha and carry these destitute back to Lagos. They are not citizens of Anambra State.”
Also the Pan Igbo Socio-cultural group, Aka Ikenga, on Thursday called on Governor Babatunde Fashola, to probe the leadership of Kick Against Indiscipline, KAI, and Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, over the incident.
President General of the group, Chief Goody Uwazurike, described the action of the agencies as an infringement on the personal liberty of the affected persons and noted that plans had been concluded to meet with the governor on the issue.
According to him, “Let there be no more violation of the people’s rights. We know that Governor Raji Fashola is one of the most detribalised Nigerians.
“He is also one of the best governors in Nigeria today.
“As a matter of fact, Lagosians are very hospitable and do not really do anything to obstruct other people who reside here.”
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