By PETER ANOSIKE

The Vice Chairman of Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area, Hon. Maureen Ashara has appealed to Igbos resident in Lagos to support and also vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at the gathering of Igbo elders in Oriade Local Council Development Area last Sunday, Hon Ashara who is also the highest Igbo political office holder in Lagos state as a whole, said that Lagos state has been wonderful to the Igbos, adding that the best way that they can reciprocate is to support the ruling party.

She said that one thing that has been causing problem between Igbos and their host community is the way Igbos vote.

Speaking further, she said that since Lagos State has been supporting Igbos economically, Igbos should in turn support them politically.

According to her, if Igbos begin to support the ruling party in the state, there would be a harmonious relationship between them and their host community.

She commended Igbo Elders Forum Oriade LCDA for their wisdom in coming together to find the solutions to the problems pledging Igbos in Oriade in particular and Lagos State in general.

She urged them to expand the forum to include Igbo elders in Amuwo Odofin and ultimately Igbo elders in Lagos State.

Her words: “My name is Hon Maureen Ashara Chika, the Vice Chairman of Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area. I am also the highest Igbo political office holder in Lagos State. I am here today to participate in the Igbo Elders Forum of Oriade LCDA meeting. I am so happy, so overwhelmed and very delighted to be part of the meeting. They came to discuss how they can deliver massive votes for the All Progressives Congress in the forthcoming elections. They have realized that election has been one of the major issues that have been bringing problem between the Igbo and their host community and in order to ensure harmonious relationship in the state, the elders have come together to take a decision that they would support the party of the host community. The Bible said that where your treasure is, that is where your heart would be. Majority of us came to Lagos with nothing and today we are thriving in our various businesses. Our treasure is in Lagos state, so we must try our best to ensure that there is peace and harmony in Lagos State and the only way we can do that is by supporting and voting the ruling party.”

In his contribution, the president of Igbodum multi-cultural organization, Prince Chuks Emechebe said that the purpose of forming Igbo Elders Forum Oriade is to enable Igbo to begin to speak with one voice and also promote harmonious relationship between Ndigbo and their host community.

According to him, it makes no sense for the Igbos to continue to be in the opposition in the state that they are getting their means of livelihood.

He appealed to the president to caution some of the belligerent Yoruba youths who are always confrontation to the Igbos for no just cause.

The meeting was attended by influential dignitaries like the former president of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State chapter, Chief Fabian Onwughalu, current deputy president of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Lagos State Chapter, Nze Edwin Egboka, the chairman of the occasion was Ichie Victor Nnotum while Eze Chukwuakalika Mmadu Emmanuel hosted the meeting.