The Association of Igbo Town Unions (ASITU) has expressed its resolve to take appropriate action against the Lagos State Government over the demolition of properties belonging to Igbos worth trillions of naira.
Speaking at a World Press Conference in Umuahia, Abia State, ASITU National President, Chief Emeka Diwe, condemned the demolition exercise, describing it as unjust and selective.
Flanked by members of the ASITU executive, Chief Diwe accused Lagos State government agents of demolishing legally acquired Igbo properties without notice or due process, even when there were genuine documents of ownership.
He urged Igbos all over the world, especially those residing in Lagos, to adopt the Aku Ruo Ulo (Think Home) Investment Initiative a policy that urges Igbos to invest part of their wealth in the development of the South-East.
Investment in Igboland, he added, will spare Igbo assets from further destruction and encourage economic independence.
“Aku Ruo Ulo does not imply retreat or secession,” Diwe explained. “It implies building from a position of strength making Igboland economically vibrant, safe, and prosperous so that we can engage with Nigeria and the world confidently, not weakly.”
He lamented that Igbos’ enormous investments and attempts at integrating Nigeria have not insulated them from persistent discrimination and hostility, especially in property matters.
ASITU called on the Federal Government, international bodies, and human rights organisations to intervene and obtain justice for victimised Igbo property owners in Lagos.
Demolitions were deliberate efforts to pauperise Igbos and annihilate their means of livelihood, Chief Diwe maintained, and cautioned that such actions spell doom to national unity and peace.
