Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, met with his Lagos State counterpart, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to discuss the recent demolition of some commercial premises, in Lagos.
The Lagos State government recently demolished some “physically distressed buildings” in the Alaba International Market.
The state government explained that the “lives of businessmen and women within the market would be put at risk” in the event of imminent collapse.
Disclosing the development, Uzodimma in a Facebook post on Friday said he led a delegation of the Igbo business community in Lagos to meet with Sanwo-Olu accompanied by Benjamin Kalu, the deputy speaker of the House of Representatives.
“The meeting was quite productive as the governor assured that no policy or programme will ever be designed against the Igbos or any other tribe. I am delighted as he swiftly constituted a Technical Committee to resolve issues raised by our people.
“On this note, I commended His Excellency, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for the audience and avowed commitment to guaranteeing continued safety for all Igbos and other ethnic nationalities in the state.
“We have sustained peaceful coexistence in our region, South-east, with other ethnic nationals, and our cohabitation across the nation should be reciprocated with peaceful coexistence; I am glad that the Governor reassured.” he wrote on Facebook.
Uzodinma urged Igbo residents to go about their lawful businesses, “for Nigeria belongs to all of us, and together, we shall continue to build it.”
There has been controversies over the removal of 17 stores from the market in Ojo local government area, mostly populated by Igbo traders.
Since the news of the demolition spread, there have been rumors that the governor carried out the operation as retaliation against the Igbos for reportedly supporting a rival candidate in the state’s 18 March governorship election.
