Governor Peter Obi on Wednesday wrote
President Goodluck Jonathan to investigate the dumping of 72 homeless
people at the Upper Iweka Bridge, Onitsha, Anambra State, by suspected
agents of the Lagos State Government.
In a letter titled, “Unconstitutional,
Illegal and Forced Deportation of Nigerians to Anambra State from Lagos
State,” Obi described the action of Lagos State Government in the matter
as disturbing.
He said it had serious security and
political implications, considering the fact that it was not the first
time that such an action was taken by the Lagos State Government.
Part of the letter read, “This latest
callous act, in which Lagos State did not even bother to consult with
Anambra State authorities before deporting 72 persons considered to be
of Igbo extraction to Anambra State, is illegal, unconstitutional and a
blatant violation of the human rights of these individuals and that of
the Nigerian Constitution.
“Your Excellency, no amount of offence
committed by these people, even if deemed extremely criminal, would
justify or warrant such a cruel action by a state authority and in a
democracy.
“Even refugees are protected by the
law. Furthermore, the extant provisions of the Nigerian Constitution
states, ‘Every citizen of Nigeria is entitled to move freely throughout
Nigeria and to reside in any part, thereof, and no citizen shall be
expelled from Nigeria or refused entry thereby or exit therefrom.’”
However, Lagos State Government said it did not deport anyone to Onitsha in Anambra State.
Speaking with journalists shortly after
the state Security Council meeting, chaired by the state Governor,
Babatunde Fashola, on Wednesday, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr.
Umaru Manko, said the government only rehabilitated and resettled the
people.
Manko said, “What happened was that the
state rehabilitated citizens from other states that came into the state
and turned into beggars.
“After that, they indicated their
interest to go back to their home towns to be resettled. That was what
happened. There was no deportation.”
The police commissioner said security in the state was perfect, adding that security operatives were on top of the situation.
He said, “The residents should go about their lawful businesses. Of course, everyone knows that the Eid-il-fitri is around the corner. We have done everything necessary to ensure that the festival comes and go peacefully.”
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