The Catholic Church has expressed concern over the ethnic profiling and violence that marred the recently concluded elections in Lagos State, warning that it could endanger the peaceful co-existence of residents in the state.
Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, issued a statement condemning all forms of ethnic profiling, provocative utterances, and incidents of violence witnessed in some parts of Lagos state before, during and after the recent elections.
He described the tension, hate speech, and violence as unfortunate and unacceptable, especially in the lead up to the recent Gubernatorial and House of Assembly elections in some parts of the state.
“The divisive comments and behaviours, particularly along ethnic or tribal lines, is not conducive to good neighbourliness and peaceful coexistence. The people of Lagos must not allow the political class to whip up such divisive sentiments to disrupt their lives and livelihood,” Archbishop Martins said.
The prelate urged the state government to call all parties to order and put in place a machinery for the quick restoration of peace and normalcy.
He implored law enforcement agencies to safeguard the lives and properties of all residents irrespective of tribe, religion, or ethnic group.
Archbishop Martins also called on residents of Lagos to remain calm and not allow themselves to be divided against their neighbors. He urged everyone to put a stop to the spread of hate speech and fake news and to shun all forms of rancor.
“The ethnic and discriminatory comments making the rounds, particularly on social media, are not a reflection of the true nature of Lagosians, who are known to be peace-loving, accommodating, and cosmopolitan, including by promoting inter-tribal marriages for many decades,” he said.
Archbishop Martins also commiserated with families that lost their loved ones and persons whose properties were destroyed in the violence in the state and across the country.
He urged law enforcement agencies to do the needful where offenses have been committed as part of efforts to facilitate a national healing process.
“We are all equal before God, and the only man-made distinction among people is between the poor and the rich, the privileged and the underprivileged. We are all Nigerians and have lived and interacted together as one people for decades in Lagos and other parts of our country,” Archbishop Martins added.
With the elections over, the Archbishop expressed hope that all those who have been fanning the embers of ethnic division will be more circumspect and desist from further heating up the polity.
He emphasized that the people must be law-abiding citizens and not take the law into their hands in any guise.
