Officials of IPAN at the press conference
BY SUNNY A. DAVID
Igbos for a Progressive Nigeria (IPAN) has caution a presidential candidate of African Action Congress in the 2019 General Elections, Omoyele Sowore and others, to desist from using Igbos in trying to perpetuate plans for a disintegration of Nigeria.
This is contained in a release signed by the National President of IPAN, Mr. Lawrence Onuzulike and his Secretary, South East Zone, Mr. Michael Chibuzor.
The Group called on Igbos to shun involvement in any activity that would not promote the unity of Nigeria.
It notes: “our attention has been drawn to a planned protest at the Lekki tollgate on February 13, being spearheaded by the Presidential candidate of African Action Congress in the 2019 general elections, Omoyele Sowore and others.
“This planned protest is obviously in response to the decision of the Lagos Judicial Panel of Inquiry on Police Brutality to allow the Lekki Concession Company to repossess the Lekki tollgate.
“IPAN views this move by Sowore as another attempt to start a fresh round of violence, destruction of property and looting of businesses premises in Lagos.
“Many businesses and public facilities have yet to recover from the destruction of last October.
“We therefore call on the Igbos to shun this self-seeking planned protest by Sowore.
“Sowore must stop constituting a nuisance to the country and approach the courts instead if he is dissatisfied with the Panel’s decision.
“IPAN most importantly calls on well-meaning Igbos residing in Lagos not to allow a failed politician as well as a fugitive controlling the thinking of his followers to turn the Igbos against the Yoruba Nation.
“Igbos in Lagos should not allow themselves to be used as tools to destroy a State that has always welcomed them and allowed them to thrive.
“We also call on Igbo artistes such as Peter Okoye (popularly known as Mr. P), Obianuju Catherine Udeh (popularly known as DJ Switch) and many others who are seemingly urging the people to embark on a misguided protest while safely away in their comfort zones to desist from this misadventure.
“Enough is enough, IPAN says no to lawlessness; Igbo leaders should wake up and lend their voices to this call to avoid further damage to the image of Ndigbo in the eyes of other ethnic groups.
“IPAN also wishes to appeal to the security agencies to be proactive and protect the public infrastructure in Lagos from arson.
“We also call on the Lagos State government not to fold its arms and watch the state go through another round of coordinated destruction. Once bitten they say is twice shy.’’
