Fashola Apologises To Igbos Over Deportation

Many thought there is even no need for an apology since those destitute were abandoned by the government of their state, Anambra, but Governor Babatunde Fashola is a man of peace.

Two months after deportation of some Igbo destitute by to their home state, Governor Fashola on Thursday rendered an apology to the Igbos, saying “the action of our government was misunderstood.”
“Why should people feel compelled to migrate from one place to the other? Is there one part of this country that is less endowed whether in human or natural resource? Is that the problem? Is it the case that perhaps some parts are so endowed or not adequately managed?

"The truth is that I do not have a problem with the Igbos, they know that because:
The largest herd of cattle I received during my father’s burial came from the Ndigbo. Those people who came under their many colours are not people I have a problem with, they are my kindred and my people.

"Also, there were people who did not clearly understand me and they have misunderstood words said or misrepresented actions taken in the way that it has pleased them to do so. To those people, I owe an explanation, not a defence of what has happened and that is partly why I am here."

Fashola who spoke at silver jubilee symposium of Igbo think tank, ‘Aka Ikenga,’ at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs in Lagos, insisted that he could not allow differences on a subject matter tarnish the bond and friendship that were built overtime with the Ndigbo in the state.

According to him: “We have built a relationship based on tolerance, mutual respect, trust and love. That relationship was started by our ancestors, it was handed over to us and we have nourished it with a lot of trust, with a lot of understanding and with a lot of fidelity.

“Those who misunderstand that relationship, think that there is no value in that relationship I have come here to correct that because I place a lot of value on that relationship. If those people have misunderstood me or they have misunderstood actions taken by our government, here, now and today, I offer an unqualified and unreserved apology.

On the poor state of development in many Igbo states, Fashola said:
“Those are the honest debates that we must have. The political storm is gathering and allusions have been made to the issues I address, not only by the chairman, but by the President of Ohaneze Ndigbo. How can development be so difficult in the part of Nigeria that gave us Ike Nwachukwu, Chinua Achebe, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Odumegwu Ojukwu, Alex Ekwueme and so on? How can development be so difficult in that part of this country? I think those are the real issues.”

The event was attended by Igbo politicians and icons including, Senator Ike Nwachukwu, who chaired the occasion, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Onyeka Onwenu, among others.