6th May, 2024
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
A former presidential candidate, Peter Obi on Monday said he is deeply saddened and shocked by the recent reports of the deportation of citizens of Osun State by the Lagos State Government.
Unverified reports on Saturday indicated that several luxury buses dropped hundreds of youths at Ilesa, Osun after they were rounded up in several parts of Lagos State.
Governor Ademola Adeleke said he interfaced with his counterpart, Babajide Sanwo-Olu over the alleged deportation of Osun indigenes from Lagos to the Ilesa area of Osun State.
Obi, in series of tweets said this is not merely a concern for Osun State but for all Nigerians who uphold the principles of unity, fairness, and justice.
“I am deeply saddened and shocked by the recent reports of the deportation of citizens mostly of Osun State origin by Lagos State authorities. This is not merely a concern for Osun State but for all Nigerians who uphold the principles of unity, fairness, and justice.
“I find this action very distasteful because of the far-reaching effects it will have on our National cohesion and development. As a pan-Nigerian advocate, I vehemently oppose any form of discrimination, injustice, or violation of our citizens’ rights,” he said.
According to Obi, every Nigerian, irrespective of their state of origin or place of residence, deserved to be treated with dignity and respect.
“Let us always remember that we are all Nigerians, united by a common destiny. And that it is our collective duty to uphold the values of unity, fairness, and justice, and to stand against any form of discrimination or injustice. Our constitution guarantees every Nigerian citizen the right to reside and find livelihood in any and every part of the federation,” he added.
Obi implored all Nigerians to remain calm and vigilant as they awaited the outcome of the investigation.
“Meanwhile, the security agencies in Osun State are closely monitoring the situation to ensure the safety and well-being of the deported youths.
“Together, let us strive for a Nigeria where every citizen is accorded dignity and respect, regardless of their background or place of origin or residence. A new and different Nigeria is indeed possible! Let us strive towards it in unity,” he said.
Adeleke had said an investigation team it set up confirmed the veracity of the story, adding that the investigative team reported that eye witness accounts confirmed the dropping of the youths in several luxurious buses by a team suspected to be from Lagos State.
The state’s report showed that the youths were systematically dropped at Ilesa-Akure Express junction, Breweries; Ilesa – Ibodi – Iginla to Ife Express junction; Osun Ankara Express junction; Imelu Express junction; and Iperindo Express junction.