Indigenes of Lagos under the platform of the De Renaissance Patriots Foundation have vehemently voiced their opposition to the nomination of Mr Femi Pedro, erstwhile deputy governor of Lagos State, as an ambassadorial nominee representing the state.
In a statement by its Media Office, the group faulted Pedro’s appointment arguing that he is not an indigene of Lagos State. It also urged all well-meaning Lagosians to speak out against it before the appointment is finalised.
“Femi Pedro is not an indigene of Lagos State, regardless of him being “appointed” once as Deputy Governor for whatever reason favouring the party, and as such should not be presented as a representative of our state in any national or international capacity.
“The continued use of Lagos State’s constitutional quota for non-indigenes is both unjust and unacceptable. We must not allow a repeat of what happened with the recent ministerial appointment, where the true sons and daughters of Lagos State were sidelined in favour of outsiders.
“The ambassadorship is a critical platform that should reflect the voice, interest and heritage of Lagos State and its indigenous people. We deserve authentic representation at all levels of government, particularly in appointments that are meant to serve the interests of our state.
“We call on all Lagos-based political leaders, traditional rulers, community associations, and concerned citizens to rise in defence of our rights. We must demand that the Lagos State quota is reserved strictly for qualified indigenes, who have lived the Lagos experience and can genuinely represent our culture, values and aspirations.
“This is not just about one nomination; it is about preserving the dignity, identity and rightful place of Lagosians in the national landscape.
“Let it be known — we will not remain silent anymore while our state is continually being shortchanged because of political expediency and gerrymandering by those who are determined to keep the indigenes of the state in perpetual servitude in order to achieve their political objectives.
“To this end, we call to the Department of State Services, DSS, and others involved in the screening of nominees for ambassadorial positions not to screen or confirm Femi Pedro because he is not an indigene of Lagos State.”