The transfer of beggars and destitute people back to their states of origins is not unique to Lagos State, the Lagos State Government has said.

In a letter made available to PREMIUM TIMES, Lagos State Government showed that its indigenes in other states have also, in the past, been returned to the state.

"The story has been somewhat misconstrued. The destitute people that were eventually transferred did so of their own volition," said Idris Olorunnimbe, Senior Special Assistant, General Purpose, to the Lagos State Government.

The letter showed that a few days before Lagos carried out the controversial transfer, some Lagos indigenes were also sent back to Lagos, from Akwa Ibom State.

In the letter addressed to the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, the Akwa Ibom State government stated that the repatriation of lunatics, beggars, and destitute people was to rid Uyo of lunatics.

"The underlisted persons who are known vagrant psychotics were evacuated, during the clean up exercise to remove lunatics off the streets of Akwa Ibom State," read the letter, dated 23rd July, 2013.

It went ahead to list Babatunde Obamaiviaya and Tunde Jimmy as the "known vagrant psychotics" who have no relations in Uyo.

"Since then, the patients were hospitalized and duly treated with good responses.

"Following their processes of recovering of sanity, the doctor has placed them on trial leave," the letter stated.

"However, in view of the fact that they are indigenes of Lagos State and have no relations in Uyo, we have decided to refer them to you for medical management/treatment and necessary action, please," the letter added.

Lagos transfer controversy

The transfer of about 70 beggars and destitute people from Lagos to Anambra State has continued to generate widespread condemnation as well as commendation from Nigerians.

Peter Obi, the Anambra State governor, had threatened to retaliate if such "forced deportation" is not addressed by the federal government.

"Such acts violate human decency, the rule of law and constitutionally ordered liberties. Were Anambra and other States in the federation to resort to such extreme measures, there would be total anarchy," Mr. Obi said.

Lagos State, however, has a history of transferring beggars and destitute people to their home states, in line with its vision of achieving a mega city status.

Between 2007 and 20011, the state had dispatched 3,029 persons, excluding 15 foreign beggars, from Nigeria's commercial capital, according to government records.

In mid 2011, 196 beggars were repatriated to Sokoto State; 83 to Oyo State; 75 to Kano State; 67 to Osun State; 21 to Ekiti State; and seven to Ondo State.

Niger Republic received 12 beggars; Republic of Chad received two; while Cote d'Ivoire received one.

The remaining 2,580 persons were handed over to their relations for integration, Lagos State government said.

Jiti Ogunye, a Lagos based lawyer, said that such repatriation as a government policy is not an illegal and unconstitutional act.

"Lagos State, as a responsible government, has the power to encourage, very actively and aggressively, people within the state who are Nigerians to return to their states if they are destitute or beggars," Mr. Ogunye said.

"It is sheer blackmail for a state to take care of lunatics from another state. No state government that is wallowing in the pit of corruption should be allowed to abdicate its responsibility," Mr. Ogunye added.