Repatriation of Nigerians by Lagos State Government; A wrong approach to issue

Nigeria is a country that consists of 36 states and a federal capital. Being a country, the success of one is the success of the country and similarly our burden a collective one, and as such nobody has the right to deport anyone from one state to another for whatever reason.

The recent repatriation of some Nigerians by the Lagos state government is an affront on our sovereignty and unity as a country, and as such we must all rise to condemn this act. Beggers, destitutes, students, working class, politicians, retirees or whatever, so far the person is a Nigerian, we all have legal right to visit or stay in any part of the country without any restriction and that explains the public condemnation that greeted the harassment of some northern governors on their visit to Portharcourt.


 Even if the deportees were beggars, it still does not negate their right to choice of residence in any part of the country and it is expected of the Lagos state government to
 accord unto them such right or what would have been the case if the people were to be of Lagos origin? Infact it is high time state of origin is removed from our constitution for it is fast dividing us than uniting us. As a Nigerian, I should be free to contest election in any state irrespective of tribe or ethnic group. I can remember how Nigeria threatened South-African interests in Nigeria, due to what we perceived as their unfavorable immigration policy and of recent the diplomatic row with UK government over the introduction of £4000 immigration bond. But now, on what moral ground can we question another country for deporting Nigerians, if we cannot
even put our own house in order.

The effort of the Lagos state government in reshaping the state and towards making it a model is understandable and well appreciated, but i believe there are better measures that can be put in place to keep these people off the street, as we have seen in the cases of Bike-men, road-side- trading, street urchins and others. However, contrary to the way some people are capitalizing on this development to score political points, it is obvious that this action is not aimed at victimizing any tribe or group as it has affected people from every geo-political zone and southwest not excluded.

It is therefore advisable that the Lagos state government finds better approach to similar challenges in the future, before intra-country deportation becomes a trend in our country.

God Bless Nigeria.

FASANMI KAYODE,

CENTRAL BUSINESS AREA, LAGERE, ILE-IFE.
 08066266014.