Lagos guber polls: Catholic Archbishop condemns ethnic profiling, calls for tolerance

The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos State, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, on Wednesday condemned all forms of ethnic profiling, utterances and violence witnessed in some parts of the state before, during and after the recent elections.

In a statement signed by the Director of Social Communications, Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu Martins urged the Lagos State government, to, as a matter of urgency, call all political parties to order and to put in place machinery for urgent restoration of peace and normalcy.

The prelate said if the trend was not quickly checked, it could truncate the peaceful coexistence of residents of the state.

The clergy also implored law enforcement agencies to safeguard the lives and property of all residents irrespective of tribe, religion, or ethnic group.

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He noted that the ethnic and discriminatory comments making the rounds, especially on social media, are not a reflection of the true nature of Lagosians, who are known to be peace-loving, accommodating and cosmopolitan, including by promoting inter-tribal marriages for many decades.

He said, “I call on everyone to put a stop to the spread of hate speech and fake news and to shun all forms of rancour.

“The divisive comments and behaviours, particularly along the ethnic or tribal line, is not conducive to good neighbourliness and peaceful coexistence.

“We are all equal before God. We are Nigerians and have lived and interacted together as one people for decades in Lagos and other parts of our country.”

Prior to Saturday’s gubernatorial election, Igbos were attacked in Lagos State.

Markets mostly populated by Igbos were attacked and burnt down before the gubernatorial election.

During the governorship election, some thugs believed to be loyal to the All Progressives Congress, APC, issued warnings to Igbos against coming out to cast their votes.

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The attacks followed the victory of Mr. Peter Obi, the Labour Party, LP, presidential candidate, in Lagos.