The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 polls, Peter Obi, on Friday, called for the arrest and prosecution of promoters of genocidal threats against Igbos in Lagos.

Social media has been awash with a hashtag, asking the Igbos to vacate Lagos and the other South-West states.

But Obi, a former Anambra State governor, condemned the ultimatum on Igbos, describing it as deeply disturbing.

“Immediate action should be taken to investigate, arrest, and prosecute those behind this heinous agenda, serving as a deterrent to others who might consider pursuing similar paths that threaten our national security and unity,” he said.

“Similarly, and deeply disturbing, I have read genocidal threats on X against the Igbo tribe, calling for their relocation. Let me pointedly warn that such rhetoric threatens our unity and is fundamentally opposed to our Constitution, which guarantees every Nigerian the right to live and work freely anywhere in the country. Those in authority must show leadership and urgently speak out against such divisive rhetoric.”

Obi urged all “Nigerians to stand united against this divisive rhetoric and to champion unity, tolerance, and understanding,” arguing that “Our future depends on our ability to live and work together harmoniously.”

He also wants the government and security agencies to “act swiftly to protect this fundamental principle and ensure that every Nigerian can live free from fear of discrimination or persecution. We must not allow our present challenges to drive wedges among us.”