Anambra Petitions Jonathan Over Dumped Beggars in Onitsha

Governor Peter Obi on Wednesday wrote
President Goodluck Jonathan to
investigate the dumping of 72 homeless
people at the Upper Iweka Bridge,
Onitsha, Anambra State, by suspected
agents of the Lagos State Government.

In a letter titled, "Unconstitutional, Illegal
and Forced Deportation of Nigerians to
Anambra State from Lagos State," Obi
described the action of Lagos State
Government in the matter as disturbing.

He said it had serious security and political
implications, considering the fact that it
was not the first time that such an action
was taken by the Lagos State Government.

Part of the letter read, "This latest callous
act, in which Lagos State did not even
bother to consult with Anambra State
authorities before deporting 72 persons
considered to be of Igbo extraction to
Anambra State, is illegal, unconstitutional
and a blatant violation of the human rights
of these individuals and that of the
Nigerian Constitution.

"Your Excellency, no amount of offence
committed by these people, even if
deemed extremely criminal, would justify
or warrant such a cruel action by a state
authority and in a democracy.
"Even refugees are protected by the law.

Furthermore, the extant provisions of the
Nigerian Constitution states, 'Every citizen
of Nigeria is entitled to move freely
throughout Nigeria and to reside in any
part, thereof, and no citizen shall be
expelled from Nigeria or refused entry
thereby or exit therefrom.'"
However, Lagos State Government said it
did not deport anyone to Onitsha in
Anambra State.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the
state Security Council meeting, chaired by
the state Governor, Babatunde Fashola, on
Wednesday, the state Commissioner of
Police, Mr. Umaru Manko, said the
government only rehabilitated and
resettled the people.
Manko said, "What happened was that the
state rehabilitated citizens from other
states that came into the state and turned
into beggars.

"After that, they indicated their interest to
go back to their home towns to be
resettled. That was what happened. There
was no deportation."

The police commissioner said security in
the state was perfect, adding that security
operatives were on top of the situation.

He said, "The residents should go about
their lawful businesses. Of course,
everyone knows that the Eid-il-fitri is
around the corner. We have done
everything necessary to ensure that the
festival comes and go peacefully."

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