Hon. Obi Aguocha, member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency, has sounded the alarm over what he calls “systemic discrimination” against Igbos in Lagos State and other parts of the country, warning that silence from Igbo leaders could cost the people “everything.”
In a strongly worded statement on Saturday, Aguocha accused some political and community actors in Lagos of orchestrating a campaign to undermine constitutionally guaranteed rights of Igbos to live and own property anywhere in Nigeria.
He cited reports of Igbo street names being erased and replaced with Yoruba names; lawfully acquired estates and properties owned by Igbos branded “illegal” and demolished; Certificates of Occupancy arbitrarily threatened with revocation; and the disenfranchisement of Igbo voters during the 2023 elections.
“This so-called ‘host community’ mantra is now being weaponised against our people,” he said. “We must confront these threats head-on before it is too late.”
Aguocha also criticised the Federal Government over the composition of the recently inaugurated eight-member National Census Commission, which he noted has no Igbo representative despite the group constituting an estimated 30% of Nigeria’s population. He contrasted this with the Yoruba holding four of the seats.
On the continued detention of IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Aguocha described it as a “glaring injustice,” pointing out that known bandit leaders and terrorists in other regions operate openly without prosecution.
The lawmaker called on the Southeast Caucus of the National Assembly to table the matter urgently and urged Ohanaeze Ndigbo to send a high-powered delegation to meet the Lagos State governor, pledging to personally join such a mission. He also demanded strict adherence to the Federal Character Principle in national appointments.
“We must speak now while it still matters,” Aguocha warned. “History will not forgive our silence in the face of systemic injustice against our people.”
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