NGIGE DEFENDS FASHOLA: "The issue in question has nothing to do with deportation, but a Social Welfare" -Ngige(Governor, Anambra 2013-2017) Greetings, I write in respect of the above subject matter, which Aka Ikenga at its 28th July,2013 general meeting which I was privileged to attend as Special Guest ofHonour, requested me to take up with the Lagos State Government. I am gladto inform you that I was received in audience the day after, by His Excellency;Governor Raji Babatunde Fashola( SAN) the Governor of Lagos State and the issue was discussed exhaustively.At the meeting, the Lagos State Governor disclosed that contrary to claims, theissue in question has nothing to do with deportation, but a Social Welfare Intervention, involving several homeless destitutes and other psychiatric casesroaming the streets and some living under the bridges in Lagos. These peoplewere taken in and treated and cared for by the Lagos State Government free ofcharge and thereafter needed to be reintegrated with their families.After this rehabilitation the affected people disclosed their true identities and the disclosure revealed that 14 of them were from Anambra State. For the purposeof reintegration with their kith and kin back home( most of them had nobody inLagos) and for further social support and care, Lagos State Governmentcommunicated the Anambra State Government as well as other affected stategovernments to come forward and identify and take over their people. (see letteras annex 1)On receipt of this communication, Anambra State Government requested for theidentities of those claiming to be from the state( see letter as annex 2). The listwas promptly supplied to them by Lagos State for immediate and urgent action( see letter as annex 3).With further contact and pressure Anambra State Government preferred that thehanding over be done at bridge head and Lagos State obliged but found noAnambra State Government Representative on arrival at the agreed date andwas hence forced to leave the people at a government office they found at theNiger Bridgehead. The Lagos State Government further explained that this kind of exchange ofdestitutes occur between states, as she recently went to Akwa Ibom State totake back two of her rehabilitated citizens.( see letter as annex 4).You will recall Mr. President of Aka Ikenga, that I had assured the Aka Ikengamembers that the Lagos State Government that I am familiar with will not goout of its way to cause hardship to our people and this is evident in itsdisposition as the first Government of Lagos State to appoint an Igbo as acommissioner and many others into other cabinet positions.For promotion and maintenance of the good relationship that exists between the Igbos who form about 25% of the population of Lagos State and their Lagoshost, I have secured an appointment for you, the President and Executivemembers of Aka Ikenga to further discuss this matter and other sundry issuesaffecting Ndi Igbo in Lagos State, with the Lagos State Governor on a date thatwill be mutually agreed by both parties.As a member of the Action Congress of Nigeria ( ACN), which is the party inpower in Lagos State, I wish to further reassure you and Aka Ikenga inparticular and Ndi Igbo in general, that the government of Lagos State, that Iam familiar with does not and will not harbour any anti Igbo agenda, as being,insinuated in some certain quarters. Accept as usual the assurances of my highest regards. Senator Chris Nwabueze Ngige, MD, OON, KSJ Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District ( Former Governor Anambra State, 2003-2006)
Posted on: Sun, 04 Aug 2013 22:19:18 +0000
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