You will leave the north if your rulers insist on the expulsion of the shepherds
Yesterday, the governors of the Southwest and the main traditional rulers of the geopolitical zone spoke with one voice about the growing instability in the area.
They expressed their full support for the ban on outdoor grazing.
Stakeholders who held an extraordinary meeting on security issues in the Southwest also asked the federal government to protect Nigeria’s borders.
The meeting, organized by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinda, was almost blocked due to the absence of the President’s Chief of Staff, Professor Ibrahim Gambari; Inspector General of Police Mohammed Adamu; and Director General of the Department of Public Services.
They were unable to fly from Abuja due to bad weather.
In Bauchi, local president of the Miyetti Allah Livestock Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) Alhaji Sadiq Ibrahim Ahmed warned that he would resist any attempt by southern governors to expel Fulani herders from their territory.
Stakeholders meeting in Ibadan in a three-point communiqué following the discussion “supported the decision of the National Economic Council (NEC) on forest management” and stressed the need for federal authorities to fully ensure border security and protection.
They asked the media to “help the country put an end to fake news.”
Ondo State Governor Rotimi Aqueredolu and President of the Forum of Southwest Governors, speaking at the end of the meeting, said that although the meeting was held at the request of the head of the presidential administration, prof. Ibrahim Gambari; Inspector General of Police Mohammed Adamu; and the Director General of the Department of Public Services, the three were unable to fly out of Abuja due to bad weather.
He said that since then, traditional governors and rulers have agreed to meet to assess the security situation in the area.
The meeting, which took place in the halls of the Executive Council of the Governor’s Office, Agodi, Ibadan, was attended by five governors, including the host, Governor Makinda; Governors Akeredolu from Ondo, Kayode Fayemi from Ekiti, Gboyega Oetola from Osuna and Dapo Abiodun from Ogun State.
The meeting was also attended by the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Southwest, David Folavillo, and security chiefs based in Oyo State.
Others included the presidents of the traditional Council of Governors in each of the southwestern states, and some first-class monarchs.
According to Aqueredolu, the meeting was held with the aim of finding durable solutions to the ongoing security problems in the area.
The meeting was also attended by Governors of Jigawa State Mohammed Abubakar and Governors of Kebbi State Abubakar Bagudu.
He followed a directive from the Ondo state government that criminals occupying state forest reserves must resign immediately.
We will send southerners to collect things from the north if their governments insist on the expulsion of the shepherds – Miyeti Allah
Bauchi State President of the Nigeria Livestock Breeders Association Miyetti Allah (MACBAN) Alhaji Sadik Ibrahim Ahmed yesterday pledged that the association would oppose any attempts by southern governors to evict pastors.
He said it would be a shame for the north if the shepherds were evicted from the south.
Speaking to The Nation yesterday, Ahmed said: “Everyone has the right to live wherever he wants.
“In fact, shepherds, by virtue of their pastoral activities, own every part of Nigeria. So why would anyone go against the constitution?
“If the southern governors insist on sending our people, we will have no choice but to send them also to collect their things.
“We’re not stupid. We’re just studying the situation. We are all humans.
“If leaders want to create problems, they must not forget ordinary citizens.
“For the moment, we will remain faithful and will also educate our people about the need for peaceful coexistence. We will not act like stupid governors.
“If the keepers of the law say there is no law, then do we support the law? So far we are only trying to protect our integrity.
“Besides, we can survive on our own because we produce our own food. Who else besides former President Olusegun Obasanjo in the southwest will be able to feed up to 100 people? “
Sadik, who added that any murderous pastor arrested should be treated harshly, said the association would never encourage crime by pastoralists in the south.
Source: – The Nation
