Governor Fashola Dismisses Story His Government Deported 70 Anambrarians

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
disappointmentthat 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
Jonathanwhere 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
disputethat 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
inthe way that some "experts" want the public to believe.