One of All Progressives Congress (APC) spokespersons, Bayo Onanuga, has warned the South Easterners not to interfere in Lagos politics after 2023.
The spokesperson for Bola Tinubu Presidential Campaign Council, on Sunday, pushed for an outright exclusion of Nigerians of Igbo extraction from Lagos political power.
According to him, the Igbos should learn to mind their business and that 2023 should be the last time that they interfere in Lagos politics.
This comment trailed the notion, “Lagos is no man’s land” a statement that appears to have triggered many.
He further stated that Lagos is a State in Yoruba land and as such, should not be tagged “no man’s land” as it is a State just like every other in Nigeria.
Bayo Onanuga took to his official Twitter account to make his remark known.
“Let 2023 be the last time of lgbo interference in Lagos politics. Let there be no repeat in 2027. Lagos is like Anambra, Imo, any Nigerian state. It is not No Man’s Land, not Federal Capital Territory. It is Yoruba land. Mind your business,” Mr. Onanuga.
His tweet has caused uproar on social media, with many tweeps blaming the government over failure to construct a seaport and international airport in South East.
A tweep, @Monnyx4 said: “Let every state have a seaport and international airport let’s see who will suffer. everyone should save this statement cos tomorrow they’ll come back to tell us we’re One Nigeria and a federation when it suits them. Citizenship implies the right to participate.”
@Emahnie14 said: “So sad!! Gbadebo is even more lagosian than Tinubu.”
“Point Noted. Inter tribal marriage between the igbos and need to end as well. To thy tent oh Israel !” says Victor (LP).
@Acceptme4luv compared what is about to unfold to the genocide in Rwanda.
He wrote:“A replica of the Rwandan genocide promoters are roving freely in Nigeria, while the entire country watch unconcerned.”
@Loisaksteve advised Igbos in Lagos not to be counted in the upcoming census.
“Igbos in Lagos do not let them count you in the coming census in that State. If you cannot go home, don’t add to the number in Lagos..”
Despite the severe backlash received over his tweet, the APC Spokesperson remained unapologetic.
“Let me make myself abundantly clear: the views I express on Twitter are my personal views.
“I don’t owe anyone any apology for addressing the existential threats of our people. I am after all, first of all a Yoruba, before being a Nigerian,” he added.
Onanuga’s position on the recent political developments in Lagos runs contrary to Mr. Tinubu who has sued for national coherence following his victory last month.
Festus Keyamo, another spokesperson for APC PCC, in a tweet on Sunday after Mr. Onanuga’s controversial statement went viral said: “I TOTALLY deplore tribal politics. I am a product of different regions of Nigeria. I’ve NEVER in my life written or promoted one tribe over another, even in campaigns. No one should ever rile a whole tribe & this applies to all sides – North/South/East/West in Nigeria’s politics.”
