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Buhari’s support for herdsmen embarrassing, may lead to civil war – Afenifere
BY NICHOLAS ABE
National Organising Secretary of Afenifere, Kole Omololu, has urged the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Nigerian presidency to back the order of Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, asking herdsmen to leave the state’s forest reserves.
Omololu said Wednesday that opposing the order given by the state governor portends danger for peace in the South-West, in particular and Nigeria, generally.
The Afenifere chieftain cautioned The Presidency against action that may result in a civil war in the country, noting that Aso Rock’s position was embarrassing.
Omololu told The Punch in an interview: “What we should know is that it is a Forest Reserve; a place not meant for human habitation. We have wood and other things there for the benefit of the citizens. It can only be entered by authorised personnel.
“The governor of Ondo State is in order. What he has done is in the best interest of Nigeria. It is embarrassing for the presidency to be seen to be protecting criminals, wherever they are from. It is out of place. It is not helping the image and security of our country.
“The presidency is supposed to give a backing to the Ondo government by supporting that all unauthorised people should leave. Presidency opposing Akeredolu is very dangerous, extremely dangerous for peace.
READ: Suspected armed Fulani herdsmen kill daughter of Afenifere leader, Fasoranti
“Are they saying they (presidency) will be bringing Army and police to take over Ondo? The presidency needs to be very careful. It should not start what it cannot finish. There can’t be civil war again in this country. Don’t believe somebody will get up and fight for the government.”
The Afenifere national organising secretary also called on governors in the South-West region to unite and “fight for Yorubaland”.
He added, “Nobody should harass legitimate herdsmen but those taking over our lands forcefully should be sent out. It is so sad that the presidency cannot trust our government. It is so sad. The presidency is supposed to be the father of the nation, not protecting one ethnic group against the other. This is a dangerous phenomenon in the history of Nigeria.”
Apart from ejecting the herdsmen, Akeredolu also banned under-aged grazing, night grazing, movement of cattle within the cities and highways. He also gave the herdsmen seven days ultimatum to comply with the order.
However, the Secretary General of the Miyeti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Usman Baba-Ngelzerma, had responded to the ultimatum saying the apex herders body had not been formally informed.