• Thursday, March 28, 2024
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BusinessDay

Ogun opposes anti-Igbo agenda, 48-hour threat to other ethnics to leave Southwest

Ogun targets real sector growth, poverty reduction in 2021 budget

Against the backdrop of some provocative video clips that surfaced on social media, especially the video released by unknown Young Yoruba for Freedom (YYF), issuing out a 48-hour threat to the Igbos and other ethnics to leave the Southwest states and entire Yorubaland, Ogun state government on Sunday asked the Igbos and other ethnic groups to disregard the threat.

Speaking in Abeokuta, Ogun state capital through a press release issued and made available to the media by Kunle Somorin, Chief Press Secretary to the State Governor on Sunday, the Ogun state government described such a threat as unfortunate, provocative, reckless and irresponsible which couldn’t have come from responsible governments and the people of Southwest and Yorubaland in particular.

“Our attention has been drawn to various inciteful and provocative statements, including video clips on the social media posted by certain individuals and groups to the effect that some ethnic groups should leave the South-west region within 48 hours.

“As a responsible government, we consider such pronouncements unfortunate, provocative, reckless and irresponsible. Ogun will remain home to all Nigerians and foreigners who have legitimate reasons to live, work, visit or do business here. We shall also protect their lives and properties and look after their wellness, welfare and wellbeing.

“It is a well known fact that Yoruba, especially of Ogun state extraction, are cosmopolitan, urbane and too civilized to discriminate against people on account of their ethnic origin, religion or circumstances of birth. These unpatriotic individuals neither represent the views of the Yoruba race that is reputed to be accommodating, tolerant and hospitable. They are definitely not speaking for the Yoruba and the good people of Ogun state.

“These ethno-religious jingoists and their collaborators are therefore advised in their own interest to desist from heating up the polity, fanning the embers of discord, and inciting aggression against our compatriots from other parts of the country.

“We advise that rather than dissipating energies on divisive ventures, YYF and their ilks should deploy more time and resources to support causes that promote Nigeria’s unity especially good inter and intra ethnic relations within the context of our unity in diversity.

“We have put security agents on red alert to be more vigilant, apprehend and deal decisively with agent provocateurs and felons disguising as promoters of self-serving Yoruba agenda. They should be stopped from their campaign of calumny, looting, maiming, burning and destruction of public and private properties.

“We wish to reassure residents of the State of their safety, irrespective of their state of origin or nationalities”, the press statement reads.