Pan-Yoruba group, Afenifere has berated the presidency for opposing Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu’s announcement of a seven-day ultimatum for Fulani herdsmen to vacate forest reserves in the state.
Akeredolu who said that the herdsmen’s activities in the forests were a threat to the security of the state, issued the ultimatum on Monday while meeting with leaders of Hausa/Fulani and Ebira Communities in the state.
In a Tuesday statement signed by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, the presidency said it was “least expected” for thousands of herders that have lived all their lives in the state to be unilaterally ousted by Akeredolu on account of the infiltration of the forests by criminals.
However, National Organising Secretary of Afenifere, Kole Omololu, said that the presidency should back the governor in the interest of peace and stability in the state.
Read Also: “Vicious killers” can’t be allowed to remain in Ondo forests – Fani-Kayode tackles presidency
He said it portends danger for the state and the South-West geopolitical zone for the presidency to disagree with the quit notice.
“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.
“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,” Omololu told The Punch.
Leave a Reply