Ndigbo in Lagos task Ambode on demands

MEMBERS of Igbo Community in Lagos State have pledged their support for the new administration of Akinwunmi Ambode and also urged the governor to continue to ensure safety of lives and property of all the residents of the state.

The pledge of support is coming after the controversy that nearly placed the Igbo community against the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) before the April 11 governorship elections when Ndigbo were accused of “deliberate scheming against the APC for the rival Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).”

Reiterating the commitment of the Igbo to the ruling party, the Publicity Secretary, Igbo Progressive Leaders Council ‎(IPLC), Lagos chapter, Dr. Harris Chuma-Ogene said, “Politics aside, we will do everything possible to ensure the success and promotion of the Ambode administration.”

Speaking during a thanksgiving service, lecture and dinner in honour of the governor, Chuma-Ogene expressed confidence that the APC government would protect the interest of Southeasterners in Lagos as he also prayed for his successful tenure.   According to him, “Ambode will surpass the achievements of his predecessors.

The fact that Lagos is a cosmopolitan state demands a thinking and most strategic leader. Governor Ambode’s political pragmatism and wealth of experience in the Civil Service leaves us with no doubt that he will deliver practical solutions, which will bring immense benefits to the state and the country.”

He also pointed to the fact that in the heat of the tension-soaked election period, “we relied greatly on our collective strength tenaciously determined to reciprocate with same coin the kind gesture extended to us over the years by the APC government. “We trusted the judgment of former governor of the state, Bola Tinubu and his undiluted love for the Igbo residing here.

We believe in our profound relationship with the man who has encouraged and empowered many of us, the big brother who gave us great sense of belonging, always admonishing us to see Lagos as home for all.”

He therefore urged Ambode to remain resolute and committed towards ensuring that his administration thrives in due process, diligence and good governance.

Placing the demand of the Igbo community from the new government, Chuma-Ogene said, “Ambode should ensure the safety of lives and property for all Lagosians including Ndigbo.

The government should continue to partner in moving Lagos forward such that Ndigbo in the state will continue to have a place in the government and Civil Service.

“That the government will continue to support and maintain profound relationship with Igbo traditional institute in the state, we hereby proposed the establishment of a board that will recognize the Lagos Ndigbo honorary chieftaincy affairs, an agency committed to making it better and more engaging.”

He also demanded for rebuilding of markets and compensation for Ndigbo who lost property and wares to market fires as well as putting an end to incessant harassments, intimidation and extortion of Igbo traders by some unscrupulous government officials.

He further demanded that Ndigbo should continue to enjoy equal public health care relief and support in Lagos like their Yoruba brothers including enjoying free public school support through free Primary Education Scheme and payment of NECO and SSCE enrolment fees for children. He also demanded that “government should not take our people for granted and not treat us with impunity or claim they know what is best for Ndigbo when we do not feel the same way.”