Foundation faults senate over confirmation of ‘non-indigene’ Lagos nominees

The Renaissance Patriots Foundation, a Lagos-based socio-cultural organisation, has accused the senate of ignoring its petitions against the confirmation of some ambassadorial nominees.

The group alleged continued political marginalisation of indigenous residents of Lagos.

In a statement issued on Friday, the group said it had written several open and direct letters to President Bola Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio and also engaged the media to oppose the nomination of individuals whom it described as non-indigenes of Lagos state.

The organisation said it was surprised by comments reportedly attributed to Akpabio, in which he allegedly said the confirmation of the nominees went ahead because no substantial objections were received.

Reacting, the group described the claim as “insincere”, insisting that its opposition was clearly communicated through radio programmes, open letters published in national newspapers, and a formal petition addressed directly to the senate president.

“We categorically rejected Pedro and Akande as nominees to represent Lagos State, stressing that Lagos has its own indigenes who are constitutionally entitled to occupy such positions,” the statement reads.

“Other states such as Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Ondo and Ekiti have their own indigenes representing them. Lagos should not be different.”

De Renaissance Patriots Foundation, which said it is committed to protecting the political and cultural interests of Lagos indigenes, alleged that non-indigenes from other south-west states, working with federal actors, have systematically excluded Lagos natives from political power and access to opportunities in their own state.

The group also lamented what it described as a pattern of injustice dating back to 1999, claiming that Lagos indigenes have been unable to freely determine their political leadership, including the choice of governorship candidates.

“This is tyranny at work. Our people are steadily losing their constitutional rights, while others who already have states of origin continue to dominate political entitlements in Lagos,” the group said.

The organisation expressed disappointment that the senate did not intervene to address what it called “unprecedented injustice” against Lagos indigenes.