The Lagos Chapter of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) on Friday urged Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State not to allow the deportation of Igbos controversy cause rancour among Igbos and Yorubas in Lagos.
But the governorship candidate of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN) in Anambra state, Chief Udo Udeogaranya described the move by Lagos state government as unconstitutional, illegal and immoral.
Controversy has continued to trail the alleged deportation of about 70 Igbo traders by the Lagos State Task Force to Anambra.
The Lagos State task force on July 24, 2013 allegedly dumped about the deportees said to be Igbo traders in the state at the Upper Iweka Onitsha, Anambra State.
In a statement by its state chairman, Mr Akinola Obadia, the CNPP said that the deportation issue must not be allowed to degenerate to an extent that it will cause disaffection among peace loving Igbo people who have settled in the state, transacting their legitimate business and happily living with their Yoruba brothers.
“We in the CNPP have gone extra mile to find out the fact from Government source, on the issue of the return of 14 destitute persons in the state to their States of Origin. We decided to make a clean breast of the matter against the disinformation and rumour some people are making.
It added that “we believed that it is on record that in this exercise, 3 States where involved, and to ensure respect for the dignity of the human person, Lagos State Government notified the Government of each affected State at least 90 days ahead of time to enable them to make adequate arrangements for accommodation and rehabilitation of the individuals.”
“The notice was given to Katsina State which arranged transportation and accommodation for her affected people.
Akwa Ibom which returned to the Lagos state Government some destitute individuals in Akwa Ibom state who claimed to be of Lagos State Origin”, it stated.
It however warned against tribalising the relocation which it claimed was a glaring National issue to create problem where it did not exist.
It said “Anambra state Government never replied Lagos State Government request neither in written or by practically effecting the removal of their destitute citizen in this state. Why then should anybody start making unnecessary noise after 90days notification by Lagos state Government.”
It’s unconstitutional- Udeogaranya
Disagreeing with the deportation, Udeogaranya said it was contrary to the 1999 Constitution.
Querying the rationale, he said “Is it not an abdication of authority and responsibility by Lagos State government and transfer of authority and responsibility to Anambra State government to cater and cover the welfare for these Nigerians deported by Lagos State government, even when our Constitution stipulates that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.”
Calling on President Jonathan to wade into the matter, he said “I therefore call on President Goodluck Jonathan and the Federal Government to hence transfer 50 percent of Lagos State monthly allocation to Anambra State Government and an explicit order, that all Anambra State natives in Lagos State pay their taxes to Anambra State government.”
He said “this will enable Anambra State government to cater for Nigerians deported to its area of authority and serve as a deterrent to all States governments of the Federation.”
