Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State has tendered an unreserved apology to the Igbo community over the alleged deportation of some destitute to Onitsha, Anambra State.

CEOAFRICA.com gathered that the apology was tendered by the governor during the silver jubilee of the Igbo socio-cultural think tank, Aka Ikenga, held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Victoria Island.

Fashola said he has no problems with the Igbos, saying that the group supported him during the burial ceremony of his late father.

“I came here to say thank you for the honour done to my family and the memory of my late father.

“People who clearly do not understand the actions taken and words spoken are those I owe an explanation. I cannot take the Igbos for granted because we have built a relationship based on tolerance, mutual respect, love and trust. That relationship was built by our ancestors and I put a lot of value in that relationship.

“I offer an unreserved apology if the actions taken had been misunderstood.

“But I think the basic issue Aka Ikenga must address is why people feel compelled to immigrate from one part of the country to the other? Is it the case that some lack the resources to develop or perhaps some parts are endowed with enormous resources but not adequately managed?

“How can development be so difficult from the zone that has produced people like Nnamdi Azikiwe, Alex Ekwueme, Ike Nwachukwu, among others?

“As political storm gathers, there are contact spots but like in football, contact spots have rules. Those who are victims of our shortcomings as professionals in and out of government should not be pounced.

“A day like these calls for deep reflection about issues of our loyalties. Are we more Igbo than Nigeria or we are more Nigeria than Igbo?” he asked.

It would be recalled that 14 igbos were relocated from Lagos to Onitsha after rehabilitation; a move which does not go down well with aggrieved Igbos, who felt they were badly treated and hated.

The event witnessed the presence of some illustrious Igbos which include Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim, who represented President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Deputy Speaker of the National House of Representative Chief Emeka Ihedioha, Former Minister Gen. Ike Nwanchukwu, President of the group Goddy Uwazurike, former ambassador George Obiozor and President of the Ohaneze Ndigbo, Gary Enwo-Igariwey

Other notable people at the event include Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese Matthew Hassan Kukah, former President of Aka Ikenga Chief Chris Asodoka, Director of Lagos Business School, Prof. Pat Utomi, Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho, Director-General, National Centre for Women Development Onyeka Onwenu and Veteran Nollywood actor Kanayo O. Kanayo