The President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Lagos State, Dr Solomon Ogbonna Aguene, has raised concerns about the alleged disenfranchisement of Igbos residing in the state during the ongoing local government elections taking place today, July 12. Speaking from his residence in Ikoyi, Aguene expressed disappointment over what he described as the repeated denial of voting rights to Igbo politicians in Lagos. He alleged that Igbos are systematically prevented from participating fully in the electoral process, both as voters and candidates.
According to a report by Tribune, Aguene claimed that the exclusion reflects a broader issue of democratic failure in the state, insisting that what is happening contradicts the principles of inclusive governance. “Do you know that the Igbo that are resident in Lagos state are denied the opportunity to vote? This is not just happening in this election; it occurs during every cycle of election. Igbo residents in the state are not given the opportunity to contest for local Government Chairmanship and councillorship positions. Despite our contribution to the economic and political growth of the state, we are being treated unfairly. There are one or two Igbo persons as Vice Chairmen of Local Governments.
It is therefore safe to conclude that we don’t have democracy in Nigeria, because democracy promotes equity, justice and fairness. What we have is opportunists grabbing power and ruling. There is voter apathy in Lagos and Nigeria because Nigerians are tired of voting for opportunists. Igbos are the ones investing heavily in Lagos. They are supposed to be given the opportunity to hold some positions in the state. Governance in Nigeria is just for the few as many Nigerians are really suffering. The working class including journalists and security officers whose profession are essential cannot even work and shelter for their families. The situation in Nigeria is terrible.”
Source; https://m.lindaikejisblog.com/
