Fashola Courageous For Apologising Over ‘deportation’ Of Igbo In Lagos – Anambra Govt

 
 



The recent apology by Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola of Lagos State over the ‘deportation’ of 72 destitute to Onitsha on July 24, has been described as ‘courageous’ by the Anambra State Government.
The purported deportation had led to a public spat between the governments of both states as they traded blames over who was responsible for the security and welfare of the affected citizens.
However, some weeks after the heat generated by the alleged deportation had died down, Gov. Fashola, while speaking at the Silver Jubilee symposium of Igbo think tank, ‘Aka Ikenga,’ at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs in Lagos, insisted that the action of his government was ‘misunderstood’ and that he could not allow the differences on the matter tarnish the bond and friendship that were built overtime with the Ndigbo in the state.
He was quoted as saying among others, “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.”
The Lagos governor’s apology was again misinterpreted by a section of Nigerians, who claimed it was the All Progressives Congress, APC’s way of placating Anambrarians against the November 16 governorship elections in Anambra State.
But a statement on Friday by the Secretary to the Anambra State Government, Mr Oseloka Obaze, stated that there was no need trying to parse the apology.
“I do not know if Governor Fashola apologised to Governor Peter Obi, but I know they are in touch.
“As regards Governor Fashola’s apology to the Igbo, he apologised and that is it. There is no need trying to parse his apology as some are trying to do.
“The governor has shown himself to be a courageous, noble and an honourable man. As a politician, he is a blessing to Lagos State and Nigeria,” the statement said.