Igbo youths under the aegis of the Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) have slammed the Lagos State government over the demolition of buildings at the International Trade Fair Complex.
President of the group, Goodluck Ibem, in a statement on Thursday condemned in strong terms the action of the state government, noting that it is a deliberate and unprovoked attack on the Ndigbo.
He said: “We stand firmly against the recent demolition of buildings at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex undertaken by the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development. This action, which took place last Thursday without prior notice, has inflicted substantial financial losses on traders, predominantly of Igbo descent, who rely on these businesses for their livelihoods.
“We condemn this callous act as a well-orchestrated plan to inflict additional pain and hardship on the Igbo community in Lagos, exacerbating the economic distress that many Nigerians are currently facing.
“The demolition of these structures is not merely an administrative exercise but rather an anti-people initiative aimed at destabilising the socio-economic foundation of hardworking individuals striving to make ends meet.
“The right to engage in legitimate business and reside anywhere within the federation is a fundamental human right enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We believe that the actions of the Lagos State government are divisive and unjust, suggesting a deliberate and unprovoked attack on the Ndigbo.
“We call for immediate compensation for the affected traders whose businesses, and by extension, livelihoods have been irreparably harmed by this demolition. Furthermore, we demand that the Lagos State government ceases its ongoing assaults on the Igbo community and recognises the vital role that traders play in Nigeria’s economy, irrespective of their ethnic backgrounds.
“We urge the relevant authorities to engage in constructive dialogue with community stakeholders before taking any such actions in the future. Unity and collaboration are essential for progress, and as Nigerians, we must work together to support each other’s aspirations.
“We stand in solidarity with the affected traders and pledge to support any action necessary to reclaim their rights and livelihoods. Together, we can create an environment where every Nigerian, regardless of origin, can thrive and contribute meaningfully to our society.”
