In a seeming defiance to the order of the Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, asking the Fulani herders to quit Ondo forest, the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has told the herders not to relocate and reject any move to brand them as criminals.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, the forum’s spokesman condemned the governor’s ultimatum, saying the order was provocative and unhelpful.
Governor Akeredolu had given the herders a seven-day ultimatum to leave the forests, citing the rising insecurity in the State.
He also complained that bad elements had turned the forest reserves into hideouts for keeping victims of kidnapping, negotiating for ransom and carrying out other criminal activities.
But in a swift reaction, the Northern Elders Forum explained that the Fulani would not accept unfair treatment, asking the Governor to separate criminals and treat them as such.
“Northern Elders Forum is shocked at reports that Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, is asking a Fulani community to leave its lawful location, in addition to other restrictions on activities of Fulani people who have lived in the State for a long period.”
The statement noted that Governor Akeredolu is a senior lawyer who should know that the constitution does not give him the power to deny any Nigerian the right to live where he chooses if he does not break the law in the process.
It added, “His duty to protect and improve the security of citizens and all people in Ondo State cannot be challenged.”
The statement further argued that no Nigerian had the power to take punitive action against citizens on political grounds, stressing that the forum believes that the action of the governor is provocative and unhelpful.
“If there are criminal elements among the Fulani who live in the State, the governor should take appropriate steps to identify them and deal with them. Similarly, the Fulani do not enjoy legal immunity in any part of Nigeria.”
The Northern elders noted that the Fulani were subject to all laws and regulations and must respect the communities with which they live and interact, adding that what is dangerous and unacceptable is to profile and demonize the Fulani and treat him outside the laws of the land like all other Nigerians.
The Forum called on Governor Akeredolu to withdraw his order on the Fulani, or endeavour to clarify his position in the event that he is misunderstood, adding, “for the avoidance of doubt, no Fulani anywhere in Nigeria will accept unfair and illegal treatment just for being Fulani.”