LAGOS State's Igbo community has presented a seven-point list of demands to new governor Akinwunmi Ambode requesting that among other things they be included in the governance and running of the state. 

Yesterday, the Igbo Progressive Leaders Council (IPLC) unveiled the demands at a thanksgiving service in Lagos. Its publicity secretary Dr Harris Chuma, said they were designed to ensure continuous cordial relationship between Ndigbo and the Lagos State government. 

Dr Harris said: “Some of the issues are that the newly inaugurated Lagos State government will continue to ensure the safety of lives and property of all Lagosians, including Ndigbo.  Also, that the government will continue to partner Ndigbo in moving the state forward such that Igbo in the state will continue to have a place in the government and civil service. 

“That the Lagos State government will continue to support and maintain profound relationship with the Igbo traditional institution in the state. We propose the establishment of a board that will recognise the Lagos Igbo honorary chieftaincy affairs.” 

He added that the IPLC also asked for sustained improvement of the road network in the state and that Igbo people get equal treatment as their Yoruba counterparts. Other issues the body wants to see include compensation for victims of fire disasters in the various markets and an end to the harassment, intimidation and extortion of Igbo by unscrupulous government officials.

“We wish that the newly inaugurated government will not take our people for granted and they will not treat us with impunity or claim that they know what is best for Ndigbo when we do not feel the same way. We hope that the Governor Ambode-led government will listen to the sincere voices of their passionate Igbo followers," Dr Chuma added.

Just before the elections, the Oba of Lagos had stocked a heated debate about the role of Igbos when he said they must vote for Governor Akinwunmi Ambode or go and jump in the Lagos Lagoon. Since then, a fierce debate has raged about what it means to be an indigene of Lagos, with Igbos claiming they have as much right to the city as anyone else.