By Ibrahim Salaudeen, Lagos
The President of Igbo socio-cultural group in Lagos State, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dr Solomon Ogbonna Aguene, has lamented the manner in which Igbos living in Lagos State were disenfranchised and excluded from voting in the local government elections across the state.
Aguene said despite the contributions of the Igbos to the economy and politics of Lagos State, their people are routinely denied opportunities to vote and be voted for in every election circle.
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo leader in Lagos who spoke to newsmen on the heels of the Saturday local elections in the Centre of Excellence, added that the Igbos are the ones investing heavily in Lagos and deserved to be given the opportunity to hold some positions in the state.
He said, “Do you know that the Igbo that are resident in Lagos state are denied the opportunity to vote? This is not just happening in this election; it occurs during every cycle of election. Igbo residents in the state are not given the opportunity to contest for local Government Chairmanship and councillorship positions. Despite our contribution to the economic and political growth of the state, we are being treated unfairly. There are one or two Igbo persons as Vice Chairmen of Local Governments.
“It is therefore safe to conclude that we don’t have democracy in Nigeria, because democracy promotes equity, justice and fairness. What we have is opportunists grabbing power and ruling. There is voter apathy in Lagos and Nigeria because Nigerians are tired of voting for opportunists
“Igbos are the ones investing heavily in Lagos. They are supposed to be given the opportunity to hold some positions in the state. Governance in Nigeria is just for the few as many Nigerians are really suffering. The working class including journalists and security officers whose profession are essential cannot even work and shelter for their families. The situation in Nigeria is terrible.”
