Northerners, southerners should be worried about Lagos authorities ‘deporting’ non-indigenes – Obi

Peter Obi of the Labour Party has condemned the Lagos state government for the deportation of some people to Osun state, saying it is unfair and against national cohesion, while charging Nigerians to stand against every form of “discrimination and injustice.”

Mr Obi, in a statement circulated on his X account on Monday, condemned “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,” Mr Obi said.

“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.”

A former Anambra governor, who ran as LP presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Mr Obi, said the deportation exercise by the Lagos government violates the Nigerian constitution, urging Nigerians to stand against all forms of discrimination and injustice.

“Every Nigerian, irrespective of their state of origin or place of residence, deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. Let us always remember that we are all Nigerians, united by a common destiny,” Mr Obi said.

He added “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.”

On Saturday, a video by Sahara Reporters showed several people accusing the Lagos state government of deporting them and hundreds of other residents from the nation’s commercial hub.

Ademola Adeleke, Osun governor, in a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, said his government’s investigation team confirmed how luxurious buses dropped the youths in Ilesa.

Mr Adeleke, however, said he spoke with the Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who denied authorising law enforcement teams to carry out the alleged “deportation.”