Governor Fashola Dismisses Story His Government Deported 70 Anambrarians

Posted: August 3, 2013

Gov. Babatunde Fashola

By SaharaReporters, New York

Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola has dispelled reports that the government of Lagos State indiscriminately “deported” 70 Anambrarians, expressing regret that the issue has been raised in a politically-colored atmosphere to incite the Igbo against their host communities.
In a statement he signed himself, Mr. Fashola expressed disappointment that the Governor of Anambra State, without calling him as he has done on less important matters in the past or even writing a letter, chose the media to air his complaint.
“The facts are that 14 (fourteen) not 70 (seventy) or 72 (seventy-two) destitutes (as has been reported) were picked up on the streets of Lagos as part of a continuous exercise to assist vulnerable citizens who roam our streets without food, or shelter and a number who have medical ailments, usually in the nature of mental ailments.”
After they had been treated, detoxified and restored, he said, they were then interviewed.
“In the event, they disclosed they were from Anambra and sought assistance to go back home.”
Governor Fashola said he had read excerpts, in the newspapers, of a letter by the governor of Anambra State to President Goodluck Jonathan where he was quoted as saying that Anambra State was not consulted before the deportation.
If it was true the governor made that allegation, he was either being economical with the truth and deliberately seeking to mislead, or unaware of action taken by his officers, Fashola said.
“First, only 14 (fourteen persons were involved in our effort to “integrate” them back with their home communities.
“Secondly, there was an exchange of correspondence dated 9th April 2013, 15th April 2013 and 29th April 2013; between Lagos State Government and the Anambra State Government through its liaison office in Lagos which was the closest to the scene of the issue in dispute that were in communication with the Anambra Government about “integration” not “deportation.”  In that regard, he drew attention to several letters that were exchanged by both bodies.
The governor further expressed disappointment that in spite of his government’s request to Anambra Government officials to come and validate and identify the individuals who claimed to be from that State, the Anambra agency failed to respond.  “They could have helped matters by attending since April to question these people, by their names and identities of their villages.  We were unfortunately not in a position to do so.”
Governor Fashola said that in effect, a “very simple and routine humanitarian gesture” for which his government ought to be commended has either been genuinely misunderstood or deliberately manipulated to create misunderstanding, saying he understands and values the quality of the rich and diverse human capital of Lagos.
Nevertheless, he warned that while his government respects the rights and freedoms guaranteed in the constitution, none of them is absolute in the way that some “experts” want the public to believe.