Lagos debunks alleged anti-Igbo moves by Ambodeitor

Lagos State Government yesterday described a report on social media alleging that Governor Akinwunmi Ambode was making moves against non-indigenes, especially the Igbo, as baseless, mischievous and irresponsible.

Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Kehinde Bamigbetan, stated that the claims in the report were nothing but absolute falsehood and a figment of the authors’ imagination.

The report alleged that the governor had outlawed the position of Eze Ndigbo in Lagos and was making other moves against non-indigenes.

It also quoted the governor as saying that Lagos was not a colonial settlement, but owned by the Yoruba, though without stating where the governor made such pronouncements.

Describing the report as ridiculous, Bamigbetan said Ambode had clearly emphasised at the inception of his administration that he would run a government of inclusion regardless of tribe, colour or creed, which he had not only adhered to, but also sustained.

“While we would have opted to totally ignore such crass report, we have chosen to set the records straight for unsuspecting members of the public who might be tempted to believe such falsehood.

“For emphasis, there is no record anywhere of the governor making such remarks and we dare the faceless authors to come out with any evidence otherwise.

This is certainly the handiwork of enemies of Lagos whose sole aim is to distort the existing harmonious relationship among ethnic groups in the state,” he stated.

While urging members of the public to disregard the report in its entirety, the commissioner called on security agencies to investigate those behind it and mete out appropriate sanctions on them in accordance with the law.

Meanwhile the state Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has announced its partnership with MultiChoice on the 6th edition of Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs).

The awards, the biggest celebration of film and television talents in front of and behind the cameras, will hold on September 1 in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria, John Ugbe, said the company was delighted to have Lagos on board.

“We are pleased to, once again, have the state government play host and partner with us on the 2018 AMVCAs as we celebrate excellence in the African film industry. This partnership further establishes Lagos as a hub for the promotion of the arts in Africa.

“We are particularly pleased about the involvement of the state government in this edition of the awards as we celebrate our 25th anniversary as MultiChoice Nigeria.

“The AMVCAs is one of our significant investments in igniting Africa’s creative industries, helping them grow into vibrant, economic powerhouses,” said Ugbe.

He noted that MultiChoice had partnered with Lagos on numerous projects, including the annual One Lagos Fiesta.

Acknowledging the partnership, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode said: “We are delighted that AMVCAs are back again in Lagos this year, and as a government with keen interest in promoting the arts, we are very pleased to be associated with this major awards initiative that creates a unique platform for both the creators of content for motion pictures to be celebrated and for the viewers to be heard.