APC Chieftain Joe Igbokwe Slams Ndigbos Over Claims Yuletide Travel Left Lagos Empty and Dry
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Joe Igbokwe, has reacted strongly to claims suggesting that Lagos became “empty and dry” after Ndigbos travelled to the South-East to celebrate the yuletide.
Igbokwe dismissed the narrative as exaggerated and misleading, arguing that Lagos remains a cosmopolitan city driven by diverse ethnic groups and economic activities that do not grind to a halt because of festive travel. He maintained that while many residents travel during the Christmas and New Year holidays, Lagos continues to function as Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre.
According to him, portraying Lagos as dependent on one ethnic group undermines the contributions of other Nigerians who live, work, and do business in the state. He stressed that Lagos thrives on inclusiveness and constant economic movement, even during festive periods.
The APC chieftain also cautioned against comments that could fuel ethnic tensions, urging Nigerians to promote unity rather than divisive narratives. He noted that festive travel is a nationwide practice and not unique to any particular group.
The remarks have sparked mixed reactions online, with some agreeing with Igbokwe’s position while others defended the economic impact of holiday travel on Lagos’ informal and commercial sectors.
