Go after #IgboMustGo campaigners, IPOB lawyer urges
CHIGOZIE AMADI
The counsel for the Indigenous People of Biafra, Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has asked the Federal Government to go after the #IgboMustGo campaigners, insisting that the Federal Government must be held responsible if any harm comes to the lives and properties of Ndigbo anywhere in the country.
Speaking with South-East PUNCH on Monday, Ejiofor specifically questioned the role allegedly being played by one of the President’s aides, Bayo Onanuga, in his “divisive” utterances and social media posts against Ndigbo.
He urged President Tinubu to begin by ordering his aide to review and delete these offensive posts and issue a public apology to Ndigbo, adding that only then will the Igbo community begin to take seriously any measures the presidency claims to implement for their safety.
Ejiofor averred that Onanuga’s utterances might have masterminded the #IgboMustGo campaigns, adding that the President must address the situation.
He said, “As the situation intensifies and the reality of a looming conspiracy becomes apparent, it is crucial to address the facts with clear evidence. The mastermind behind the #IgboMustGo movement, may not be acting alone in this sinister agenda, otherwise one might question the disinformation role played by Onanuga in Tinubu’s rise to the Presidency, during the electioneering campaign leading to the 2023 general election and thereafter.
“The social media has not forgotten the vituperative, ethnically charged statements against the Igbo community, spearheaded by Onanuga.
“These hateful comments are still visible for the world to see. Currently, Onanuga serves as a Special Adviser to President Tinubu, and his divisive rhetoric is being promoted by those he has influenced.
“Onanuga threatened the Igbo community in Lagos with severe consequences if they didn’t vote for Tinubu, leading to direct physical attacks, killings and consequent destruction of Igbo properties under the pretext of violating the city’s master plan. These threats, seemingly endorsed by those at the helm of affairs, persist and could escalate into full-scale violence if not addressed immediately.
“I strongly believe that this is a carefully planned agenda, and I urge our Igbo brothers and sisters in Lagos to remain vigilant. This conspiracy seems to have the backing of those in power, and it should not be taken lightly.
“The pressing question for President Tinubu is why Onanuga has not been mandated to apologise to the Igbo community and retract his subsisting threats. Why do his inflammatory comments from the election period remain on his social media platforms 18 months later?
“President Tinubu should begin by ordering his aide – Onanuga – to review and delete these offensive posts and issue a public apology to Ndigbo. Only then will the Igbo community begin to take seriously any measures the Presidency claims to implement for their safety in Lagos State.”
He, however, urged the Igbo community in Lagos, to stay alert and not underestimate this grave conspiracy, adding that while its execution may be challenging, their resilience will see them through.
