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Re-What’s Uzodimma Always Looking For At The Villa?

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By Oguwike Nwachuku

Exactly a week today, June 25, 2023 to be precise, I read on the Political Notes column of the Cicero Section of THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER an article entitled – What’s Uzodimma Always Looking for at the Villa? The piece did not have a face to it, so to say. It was by-lineless.

When I drew the attention of the Editor to the nauseating piece which exuded suspicious innuendos with the medium giving vent to such disparaging work in cahoot with a faceless author, he corroborated my earlier curiosity about a hatchet job in the offing.

The confirmation by the Editor that pieces published on the Political Notes are exposed without the author in tow really unsettled my mind. Reason you shall know shortly.

Last year, August 7, 2022 to be precise, THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER on the same Political Notes of the  Cicero Section published a similar piece as it did on June 25, 2023, with the caption: “Why is Uzodimma Always in Aso Rock?”

Reading through the 2022 work in comparison with the 2023 article, what the hatchet jobber simply did was to joggle the headline of the most recent piece, using Villa instead of Aso Rock, replacing former President Muhammadu Buhari with President Bola Tinubu, among others, just to pass the same disparaging message against an innocent governor doing his job of governance and sincere service to humanity to the best of his ability.

Truth is that I am yet to come to terms how such scandalously and mischievously orchestrated write-up escaped the eagle eyes of the gate keepers of the medium such that it has not only become an annual ritual, but has a permanent space on their Political Notes.

While one voice counseled that I should not reply to a faceless work, the second advised me to use my response to educate the timid author who may be either ignorant of the nuances of governance or on a deliberate voyage of mischief to disparage the person of Governor Uzodimma.

In fact, the Editor’s response did reinforce my thought-line as I considered the second option to reply the ghost author with all his/her mischievous trappings.

Today in Imo State, it is no longer in doubt that Governor Hope Uzodimma, CON,GSSRS, has done the people proud and has earned their trust after spending three and half years in office as the Chief Executive.

It is also not a matter of conjecture that what Governor Uzodimma has been able to achieve so far in Imo State with regard to infrastructural development in particular and good governance in general, despite the debilitating impact of insecurity, will speak volume for him come November 11, 2023 when the governorship election he is one of the contestants will hold.

What is in doubt, really, is whether the pretenders who have put themselves up for the governorship election Governor Uzodimma is standing in as the sole candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and who the ghost authors in consonance with the Editors of this medium are supporting, are prepared to face the good people of Imo State based on track record of verifiable achievement.

Now to the faceless author of the malicious and naughty article, you may not be aware, Governor Uzodimma is, unarguably, the most sought after governor in Nigeria today. You won’t be hung if you term him Nigeria’s most powerful governor.

His strategic governance prowess, sincere and dispassionate approach to state, national and international matters, easy-going miem that oils human relationship and attracts people to him, et al, are as infectious as his looks – a very handsome man specially created by God and called Hope by his parents to bring hope to the hopeless, including the ghost writer(s).

It is important that those who do not understand the nuances of governance ask pertinent questions. If Governor Uzodimma was the only Chief Executive of the State who attended the decoration of the Acting Inspector-General of Police, what does that tell you? Again, what constitutes an offence in that?

As the Chairman of Progressive Governors’ Forum, Chairman of South East Governors’ Forum, the Governor-General of All Progressives Congress (South East), do you still need a prophet to help you  understand that Governor Uzodimma’s hands should be full always?

I am not sure Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, who in the imagination of the author as the closest to Mr. President, was in itself in good faith. Or is the writer insinuating that Sanwo-Olu is complaining of not having access to the Villa or having problems frequenting the Villa or what?

If the ignorance and mischief of the author of that piece is not legendry, he/she would have known that the Villa is not a place you just visit at will without proper clearance and invitation ab initio. I also think the Editors ought to know a bit of the rules.

During President Bola Tinubu’s electioneering, he told everyone with ear to hear to ignore Governor Uzodimma at their own peril. Then again, has Mr. President complained to you, ghost writer, that he is tired of receiving Governor Uzodimma at the Villa or any other governor or visitor for that matter?

Yours sincerely has an idea why the faceless author is trying to malign Governor Uzodimma. He /she is simply being recruited by agents of the pretending governorship candidates of the opposition political parties in Imo State for the November 11, 2023 election who are looking for campaign materials, having not got one yet. But they have failed and will continue to fail.

It is unimaginable that in this age of hi-technology, information and communications gadgets, those who are lining up to displace Governor Uzodimma from his position come November are characters who think that good governance can only come to the State when the Chief Executive comes to sit down with them at Eke Onunwa or Relief Market or any of the Nkwobi joints in Owerri. What a shame to those who think that way and those they use to propagate the backward idea!

Perhaps, they should be reminded that there are some Imo citizens who think Governor Uzodimma should visit Villa as often as possible because whenever he does, good tidings follow.

Just a few of the things that his visit to Villa brought to Imo State and your heart will be satiated – the former Federal Medical Centre, Owerri (now the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri), the Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri (now, Federal University of Education, Owerri), the Oguta-Urashi Lake dredging up to the Atlantic Ocean, the Owerri-Okigwe road, the Owerri-Orlu road, the Owerri-Mbaise-Obowo-Umuahia road, among others. The list is too long.

The government of Governor Uzodimma is impacting the people of Imo State so positively that no amount of propaganda, blackmail, slander, mischief-making and outright falsehood can stop the ship of State from anchoring successfully to its destination. Of course November serves as another litmus test.

The people are already convinced that Governor Uzodimma is making a change and they are resolved to be part of that change. And like Seyi Wright said in his book – Choose to make a Difference – “once you begin to feel the conviction to make a change, you may be challenged and ridiculed by others who prefer the comfort zone.”

No doubt, that is the cross Governor Uzodimma is carrying to reposition Imo State that was messed up big time prior to his coming in 2020.

That said, I like to remind the ghost writer of what Jeffrey J. Fox said in one of his bestselling books – How to Get to the Top: Business Lessons Learned at the Dinner Table. Fox wrote: “It is okay if good people don’t care about the cares, concerns, and causes of others. But it is not okay to intentionally or unintentionally be ignorant or dismissive or judgmental about matters of importance to others.”

The question we should be asking ourselves is what we stand to gain by living in a fictional cage. Anyone who read the article in question will, like yours sincerely, find it difficult to believe that the ghost writer and his/her backers were not mentally, emotionally, spiritually, physically, materially and even financially compromised to discredit Governor Uzodimma.


Nwachuku is the Chief Press Secretary/Media Adviser to Governor Uzodimma

Exclusive! Tinubu, APC Cede Anambra’s Ministerial Slot to Former Cross River Health Commissioner

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Betta Edu

By Akinjide Aina, Abuja

Except Southeast political leaders immediately intervene after reading this story, Anambra will be represented in the yet-to-be-constituted President Bola Tinubu’s Cabinet by a Cross Riverian.

Highly placed party and Aso Rock sources have informed this magazine that Cross River state’s former Commissioner for Health, who is the current National Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Dr Betta Edu has been handed Anambra’s Ministerial slot.

Dr Edu and her benefactor, former Governor Ben Ayade are reportedly in a fierce contest for Cross River’s slot.

The former Commissioner is insisting that she deserves to represent Cross River in the Federal Cabinet, having delivered the Central Senatorial Zone of the State to the APC during the Presidential and Senatorial elections whereas her former boss, Ayade, not only lost his Senatorial zone, Cross River North, to Peter Obi’s Labour Party, but also lost his Senatorial election to the PDP candidate, Senator Agom Jarigbe Agom.

“However, to solve the Edu- Ayade debacle, the APC National leadership, and the Presidency have decided to leverage on Edu’s faint Anambra bloodline to cede the State’s slot to her”, an APC source privy to the arrangement told the magazine.

Dr Edu’s father is Igbo from Anambra state while her mother is from Yala in Northern Cross River. The APC National Women Leader is married to a man from Ibalebo in Abi Local Government Area in Central Cross River.

However, Dr Edu whose Igbo name is Chimaobi, has consistently done everything within her powers to conceal her Igbo connection.

She neither speaks Igbo, nor identifies with the Igbo Community in Cross River.

Dr.Edu often describes herself as a Yala woman who became an Abi woman by marriage.

And indeed, she represented Abi Local Government in the Ayade Cabinet as Commissioner.

When the APC zoned the position of National  Woman Leader to the South-south geopolitical zone, Dr. Edu, noted for her oratory skill and flawless use of the English language, contested for it and won, beating her rival, another Cross Riverian from the same Central Senatorial District as herself, Barrister (Mrs) Mary Ekpere.

One of the youngest Commissioners in the Ayade cabinet, Dr. Edu, was a student union leader at the University of Calabar where she studied Medicine.

Before she was appointed Health Commissioner in 2019, Edu was the Director-General of the Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency (CRSPHCDA), and Special Technical Adviser to the Governor on Cross River State Privatization Council.

Apart from her Medical degree from the University of Calabar, Dr. Edu holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Public Health for Developing Countries from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, UK, and a Master of Science Public Health in Developing Countries from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, UK, and Doctor of Public Health from Texila American University.

Politics Over, Get To Work, APC Chair Tells Akpabio

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Senator Abdullahi Adamu

Abdullahi Adamu, National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, has charged Senate President Godswill Akpabio to get to work quickly as the time of politicking is over.

Adamu stated this when Akpabio led other senators to pay him the Eid el Kabir homage in his Keffi, Nasarrawa state home.

The former Akwa Ibom state governor, has been going around the country to consult with APC leaders and others since he defeated, Senator  Abdulaziz Yari, a former Governor of Zamfara state  to emerge Senate President on June 13, 2023.

Not a few Nigerians have criticized the Senate President for wasting too much time, and resources in going around the country when he and his colleagues are  supposed to go straight to work immediately considering the many challenges facing the country at the moment, that need the immediate attention of the National Assembly.

Recall that the Senate had immediately after the election of Akpabio, adjourned proceeding to July.

Speaking during the meeting, Senator Adamu, a former Governor of Nasarrawa state state that “it’s now time for governance” as the period of contesting political offices is over.

The APC chairman urged the senate to collaborate with other arms of government with the aim of moving the country forward.

According to him, “Your emergence was a great relief to the party. Contests for offices are over; it is now time for governance. There must be effective collaboration between the legislature and the executive in the overall interest of our people.

“Nigerians expect a lot through you and that can only be achieved through a united legislature and the executive working in sync in a bipartisan manner.

“As the president of the senate and chairman of the national assembly, you have the knowledge, experience and what it takes for the two arms of government to work in harmony for the peace and development of our country.”

Gospel Singer, Tope Alabi Continue To Receive Backlash Over ‘Aboru Aboye’ Song

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Tope Alabi

By Akinwale Kasali

Criticisms continue to trail popular Gospel Singer, Tope Alabi, over her song with Aduke Gold where she described God in an occultic manner synonymous to those worshiping Orunmila (Ifa Divination).

Since last week, she has received backlash with many of her fans and followers doubting her alleged spiritual calling by God.

Joining the bandwagon to criticize her, Veteran gospel act and current Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Gospel Musician Association of Nigeria, GOMAN, Funmi Aragbaye, slammed Alabi, for her controversial use of ‘aboru aboye,’ a term commonly associated with Ifa worshippers, in a newly released song.

Aragbaye, while reacting to the controversy trailing the recent viral video of her fellow gospel artiste where she sang using Yoruba words associated with greetings by Ifa worshippers, said the latter is behaving as if she is above God

Alabi had many talking following the viral video showing her singing a song in a Church using words associated with Ifa worshippers.

Aragbaye stated that Alabi believes she is above everyone and even God.

She said, ”Tope Alabi believes she is above everyone and God. She is not a member of GOMAN, nor is she a member of any other gospel association. She believes she is too much for it. She doesn’t belong to anyone; she is neither here nor there.

“Many people today are just worshipping God with their mouths; it doesn’t come from their hearts.

“If you speak with Pastor Bola Are, she will tell you the same thing. Most people preaching do not know what they are preaching about. They emerged from nowhere onto the scene.”

She blamed the media for Alabi’s success, saying despite ”fumbling for many years, the media continues to promote her.”

Since this development, Alabi has yet to issue any statement.

25% in FCT: Obi-Datti Campaign Manager Warns INEC

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Peter Obi and Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed

The Campaign Manager of the Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign in the February 25, 2023 election, Mr. Oseloka H. Obaze has warned the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC against tampering with IRev as it concerns the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

In a tweet on Saturday, Mr. Obaze said that intelligence reaching the Campaign office shows that INEC is trying to yield to pressure to tinker with the results of some states including the FCT to enable the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC to be in good standing.

According to our source, INEC is tempering with the machines used in the election to adjust FCT results to give the APC candidate, the much-needed 25%, which he did not get as per the initial INEC declaration and for which he is being challenged at the Presidential election tribunal.

It’s not clear how the Electoral Commission can brazenly carry out such bizarre action but given the abracadabra they did to announce the APC Candidate winner by 4 a.m., there is nothing to be taken for granted.

Mr.Obaze warns that INEC and the ruling APC may be taking the adherence to the rule of law and due process disposition of Nigerians in general and the Obidient Movement in particular for granted, but it would be courting catastrophe for them to want to pour salt into an open wound inflicted on Nigeria’s electorate.

The former United Nations diplomat reminded INEC that what they are trying to do is tantamount to raising a dead horse and that whether reports were fake or real, the commission should know the level of public confidence in them has long been eroded.

Uzodimma, Sanwo-Olu Set up Peace Committee to Reconcile Igbos, Yorubas in Lagos

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Hope Uzodimma and Babajide Sanwoolu

Determined to end the soured relationship among Igbos and Yorubas in Lagos, Governors  Hope Uzodimma of Imo State and his Lagos State counterpart, Babajide Sanwo-Olu have set up a committee to broker peace for them.

Setting up the reconciliation committee was the highpoint of the meeting they had on Friday to seek lasting solutions to the recent raging misunderstanding between the Igbos residing and doing business in Lagos and their Yoruba neighbours.

In a communique issued at the end of a meeting between Lagos State Government and South East Governments,  it was agreed that a peace and reconciliation committee will be empanelled to “settle and douse the increasing tension between the two vibrant groups.”

While Sanwo-Olu endorsed for Lagos State Government, Uzodimma signed for the South East .

The communique further requested the suspension of further demolition at Alaba International market with a review committee “to ensure that no building that is not in contravention is demolished.”

It was further agreed that compensation will be paid for any wrong demolition in Alaba International market, while taxes, rates and demand notice levied on Igbo real estate developers will be reviewed to ensure they are not outrageously prohibitive, punitive and seemingly targeted at them.”

To ensure that such a rift does not reoccur, the communique recommended the establishment of “proper channels of communication and more robust engagement with organised Igbo leadership in Lagos as was the case during the tenures of Governors Tinubu, Fashola and Ambode, which engendered massive Igbo support for them.”

The communique acknowledged that Igbos have nothing against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Sanwo-Olu and would continue to support them.

Earlier on Thursday, Uzodimma had addressed representatives of Igbos in Lagos where he assured them that he would meet with Sanwo-Olu for quick resolution of the crisis of confidence among them and their Yoruba brothers in Lagos.The communique acknowledged that Igbos have nothing against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Sanwo-Olu and would continue to support them.

Earlier on Thursday, Uzodimma had addressed representatives of Igbos in Lagos where he assured them that he would meet with Sanwo-Olu for quick resolution of the crisis of confidence among them and their Yoruba brothers in Lagos.

Cross River Moves Against Jungle Justice

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Martina Itagbor

By Ayodele Oni

The Cross State Government has taken steps to guard against killings by mobs or breaking the law to protest any perceived misdeed.

Reacting to the gruesome setting ablaze of one Madam Okey Itagbor over alleged witchcraft, the State Government described it as repulsive and against all civility.

The alleged gruesome burning to death of Itagbor  took place at Old Netim in Akamkpa Local Government Area of the State by some youths.

Governor Bassey Otu specifically said that it is sheer savagery and cowardice for the youths or anybody to take the laws into their hands, more so, involving a helpless woman

He further said that Cross River State like all parts of Nigeria is governed by constitutional order, stressing that all forms of brigandage and criminal acts will not be tolerated and will be met with the full weight of the law.

To this end, the Governor directed the Commissioner of Police in the State to mobilize all tactical and investigative assets and ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous act are brought to justice.

In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Emmanuel Ogbeche, Governor Otu said; “Such abhorrent acts have no place in a constitutional democracy that Nigeria practices, and our state is part of.

“Our people must do away with all relics of culture that promotes violence, murder and criminality such as in this instance.

“I further wish to warn against all of such acts as we have laws and statutes to deal with matters of wrongdoings and disagreements.

“As an administration committed to the People’s First Agenda, my administration will be intolerant to acts capable of breaching the peace, endangering citizens and businesses and paint the state in bad light.

“I urge all community leaders, religious institutions and civil society to do more in the area of civic education, sensitisation on tolerance and respecting constituted authority especially amongst our youths as anyone found taking the laws into their hands will be made to have their day in court.”

Monarch Leads Protest Against Relocation Of Federal College, Orders Closure Of Markets

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Federal College of Education Protest

By Ayodele Oni

Ownership of a proposed Federal College of Education in Ekiti state has again ignited fresh war as another community claimed ownership.

The Alawe of Ilawe Ekiti, Oba Adebanjo Alabi, had, on Friday, lauded the Federal Government for locating the institution in his community.

However, another Monarch, the Olomuo of Omuo- Ekiti, Oba Noah Omonigbehin has  ordered closure of  markets, shops and other businesses in protest against  alleged relocation of the Federal College of Education from Omuo Ekiti to another community, Ilawe Ekiti.

The angry Monarch declared that businesses must not open in the town, as a mark of protests for the alleged injustice brought on the community.

Oba Omonigbehin said he was a participant at the public hearings by the Senate leading to the establishment of the school in both 8th and 9th session.

“We presented memo to the august legislative assembly. We wonder how someone who has not asked for a thing would be given. I urge president Tinubu to correct this injustice and return the institution to Omuo Ekiti. “

Another  leader in the community,  Chief Segun Akanle, appealed to President Bola Tinubu and the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Abiodun Oyebanji to come to the rescue of Omuo Ekiti by returning the Federal College of Education back to the town.

Akanle who described the citizens of the community as law abiding, noted that, Omuo Ekiti has been working for the establishment of the FCE for over ten years, adding that, a bill establishing the institution has been passed by both the 8th and 9th National Assembly and only awaiting presidential assent.

“We have 12 communities in Ekiti East and there is no federal or state presence in any of them. A bill establishing a College of Education has been passed and waiting for president assent before Ilawe people went through the backdoor to alter the location of the school.

“Why would the Government establish two Federal institutions in Ilawe and leave the remaining parts of the constituency. This is not acceptable.

“We have confidence in Tinubu to do the needful by righting the wrong and return the Federal College of Education to Omuo Ekiti where it rightly belongs.

Also reacting to the development, two prominent paramount rulers in Ekiti East Local Government condemned the alleged clandestine move to change the location of the school to Ilawe.

The protesters including youths, women and traditional rulers from Omuo Ekiti, the headquarters of Ekiti East Local Government, trooped to the streets as early as 9 am, to protest alleged injustice meted to them by relocating the FCE meant for the town to another community.

Some of the placards displayed by the protesters read: “On Omuo FCE we stand! No more! No less, This injustice must be redressed Return Our FCE back to us, Don’t rub peter to pay Paul, FCE belong to Omuo Ekiti, among others.

APC South-East Forum Welcomes Peace Initiative Between Lagos Govt and Igbo Stakeholders

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The APC South-East Strategic Engagement Forum , ASESEF, has welcomed the ongoing peace initiative between the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State Government, and critical Igbo stakeholders.

In a press release jointly signed by the National Coordinator, Moses Okezie-Okafor and the National Secretary, Dr. Uche Nworah, the Forum praised both parties for doing everything possible to give peace a chance.

The Forum noted that recent tension in the relations between Ndigbo living in Lagos and their hosts could be traced to statements made by some parties, candidates, and their supporters during the 2023 general elections. The forum also expressed concern about the demolition of some sections of Alaba International Market in Lagos by officials of the Lagos State Government, which it said added to the misunderstanding.

The forum thanked Governor Sanwo-Olu for assuring that interests of Ndigbo living in Lagos, as well as their investments, will be protected. It would be recalled that the Lagos helmsman had addressed the press after the meeting and acknowledged that there were issues but they were being resolved. ‘There has been a lot of wrong information and communication. Our conversation this afternoon has cleared the air and we have seen the need for further collaboration and where wrongs have been expressed we corrected.’, he had said.

The Forum quoted the statement above with approval, calling it ‘pure statesmanship’. ASESEF similarly singled out Igbo stakeholders who have championed the peace initiative for commendation, especially Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, Honourable Ben Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Ben Okoye, Paul Chukwuma, Sam Ohuabunwa, Joe Igbokwe, Jerry Chukwueke, and others.

The forum declared itself encouraged by the reassuring words of Governor Uzodinma, based on the assurances of Governor Sanwo-Olu, that Igbo interests in Lagos State are safe. The forum expressed trust that the committee that has been set up to further look into the issues will come up with strong recommendations that will help to deepen the relations between Ndigbo and their hosts in Lagos State even more.

The forum said that nearly every family in Igboland has at least one member living in Lagos and noted that peaceful coexistence of Ndigbo in Lagos, an APC State, would greatly enhance the governing party’s electoral fortunes in the South East.

It concluded by saying that the Forum welcomes the peace moves because it believes that only through such strategic engagements can alliances be formed, stereotypes destroyed, and mutually beneficial relationships strengthened.

I’ll Broker Enduring Peace Between Igbo And Yoruba in Lagos

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Hope Uzodimma and Babajide Sanwoolu

Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma on Friday assured the Igbo living in Lagos that he would broker an enduring peace between them and the Yoruba to ensure peaceful coexistence based on mutual respect for each side.

He said he would meet with the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and other stakeholders to broker an enduring peace between Igbos and their Yoruba brothers.

Senator Uzodimma spoke when he met with different Igbo interest groups in Lagos amid rising tension as a result of the fallout of the 2023 general election.

The Governor described as unfortunate the misunderstanding among some Yoruba and Igbo as a result of political differences , assuring that the situation will normalize soon.

He noted that although the Constitution of Nigeria guarantees everyone the right to reside in any part of the country, the owners of the land must be accorded the necessary respect.

He traced the relationship between Igbo and Yoruba to many decades, resulting in marriages and business partnerships, saying that he would work towards the renewal and strengthening of that relationship.

Uzodimma who is the Chairman of South East Governors’ Forum urged them not to panic as he would lead a delegation of Igbo intelligentsia and other stakeholders in Lagos to meet with the Lagos State Government and  stakeholders from Lagos.

Earlier, Representatives of the various groups in Lagos had commended Governor Uzodimma for answering their distress call to wade into the crisis of confidence between them and their Yoruba  brothers living in Lagos.

They canvassed the intervention of the Governor for a peaceful resolution of the misunderstanding to enable them carry out their businesses in peace under a relaxed atmosphere.

In their separate speeches, the leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Lagos, Chief Sunday Osaiah, regretted the misunderstanding among some Yoruba and Igbo and described it as unfortunate.

He disclosed that Igbo in Lagos sent a distress call to Governor Uzodimma for him to leverage on his excellent relationship with President Bola Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to bring a lasting solution to the problem.

Also speaking, the President of Ndigbo Lagos, General Austin Umahi (Rtd) expressed appreciation to Governor Uzodimma for his quick response to the distress call from his  brothers in Lagos. He thanked the organisers for putting the meeting together.

He assured the Governor that Igbos in Lagos were not planning to relocate outside Lagos but wanted to be guaranteed a conducive atmosphere to live and transact their businesses.

Others who spoke along the same lines include, President of  Igbo Amaka, Chief Obinna Ukatu, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, former MD/CEO of Pfizer, Chief Obi Azodo, Chairman, Marbles Gardens Estate and  representative of the Oil and Gas Sector, Mrs. Uju Ifejika.