ARCHBISHOP OF LAGOS HAS CONDEMNED ETHNIC PROFILING AND HAS CALLED FOR PEACE AND TOLERANCE

Alfred Adewale Martins

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

In a statement signed by the Director of Social Communications, Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu Martins, he urged the Lagos State government to call all political parties to order and put in place machinery to restore peace and normalcy as soon as possible.

According to the prelate, if the trend is not quickly reversed, it could jeopardize the state's peaceful coexistence.

The clergy also urged law enforcement to protect the lives and property of all residents, regardless of tribe, religion, or ethnic group.

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."

Igbos were attacked in Lagos State prior to Saturday's gubernatorial election.

Before the gubernatorial election, markets primarily populated by Igbos were attacked and burned down.

During the governorship election, some thugs believed to be loyal to the All Progressives Congress, APC, issued warnings to Igbos not to vote.

The attacks came after Mr Peter Obi, the Labour Party's (LP) presidential candidate, won in Lagos.