Indications have emerged that the Southeast region of Nigeria has suffered significant economic losses, amounting to over N4 trillion, due to the rising insecurity in the area. Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, emphasized that the region’s problems lie within themselves rather than with the Yoruba people.
During the annual all markets conference in Lagos, Kalu expressed concern over the negative impact of the unrest in the Southeast, including the constant sit-at-home orders. He highlighted the need to address the security challenges to restore stability and economic growth in the region.
Kalu stressed that the Yoruba people are not the source of the Southeast’s problems and called for self-reflection and unity within the Igbo community. He urged the region to denounce violence and work together to overcome the challenges they are facing. Kalu also emphasized the importance of maintaining good relations with their host communities and respecting the laws of the land.
In a similar vein, Prof. Okonkwo Obiora, Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, emphasized the need to foster peaceful coexistence between the Yoruba and Igbo communities. He highlighted the positive contributions made by Igbo traders in Lagos and the importance of maintaining a harmonious relationship. Prof. Obiora emphasized that the economic success of the Igbo community thrives in peaceful and accommodating environments.
Both Kalu and Prof. Obiora highlighted the need for good governance, respect for the rule of law, and the pursuit of economic development in order to address the challenges facing the Southeast region. They called for unity, mutual respect, and cooperation to achieve lasting peace and prosperity in the area.
Prof. Okonkwo said: “The support Igbo traders gave the governor in the March 2023 governorship election was not because he is Yoruba. It was rather because of the great competence he showed in piloting the affairs of the state during his first term. The traders also saw in him a detribalized leader who eschewed discriminatory and divisive politics which Lagos, a melting pot of ethnicities, requires to excel.
“This is why some of us are very troubled by the occasional diatribe between the Yoruba and Igbo in Lagos state as is currently the case. It is not only unnecessary but also of no positive use for anyone to fan the embers of discord between the Yoruba and Igbo who have harmoniously co-existed in Lagos, along with other ethnic groups for well over a century.
“The only people, who foster, revel in and benefit from such conflicts, are crisis merchants and we must rethink our association with them if we must maintain a decent relationship with our host communities.
“Let me stress that political tensions are inevitable in every society; even in the most advanced democracies. A key driver of such political tensions are interest group politics wherein diverse range of stakeholders try to advance their interests which can converge or diverge.
“These battles are usually fought out in elections and subsequently in legislations and government policies. Like any other type of government, Democracy which we are trying to practice has its inherent flaws, more so in our own case in Nigeria.
“Yet, violence is never the solution to anything. That is why we must, as concerned citizens with constitutional rights, insist on good governance as we strive to build a just and democratic nation. It may not happen overnight but as the English Poet, Alexander Pope reminds us- hope springs eternal.
“As has been established over several decades, the Igbo, as traders and business leaders, thrive very well in peaceful and accommodating environments. It is only when the environment is welcoming and inviting that we best express ourselves building new businesses and communities through self-help programs and human capacity development.
“One of such is the famed apprenticeship program which the American-Canadian TED Talks organization described as the greatest Venture Capital scheme ever. We invest in any place that we are welcome. Lagos State welcomes Igbo people and that is why we are able to help develop capacities and expand the economy.
“However, that Lagos state welcomes the Igbo does not in any way suggest that the land called Lagos (Eko) belongs to the Igbo. Geographically, the Igbo people have their homelands and that is why the aku luo uno philosophy must also appeal to our hearts.
“So, I will implore our Igbo brothers living and operating in Lagos as in other states of the federation to always remember that ana enwe obodo enwe. While we live here, do business and make a living here, we should not in any way suggest that Lagos is a no man’s land. It is erroneous and insulting to think so. Archeology tells us that even in lands where civilization has supplanted races, there are still people referred to as original inhabitants to those lands.
“Therefore, good neighbourliness will only work for our good. We must therefore respect the laws of the land while making ourselves available to serve in any capacity the states invite us to. It is only when we respect the laws of the land that the land respects and appreciates us. It is always a reciprocal relationship.”