The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has asked herders in Ondo State, South-West Nigeria, not to leave the forest reserves in the state.
Reports on Monday said that the State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, ordered the herders to leave the forest reserves within seven days, alleging that criminal elements have turned them into hideouts for their criminal activities.
On Tuesday, the Presidency rejected the governor’s order, saying it was unconstitutional. It noted that all Nigerians should have equal access to everywhere in the country.
In a statement on Wednesday, NEF spokesman, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed asked Akeredolu to rescind the ultimatum given to herders.
The forum, which described Akeredolu’s order as provocative and unhelpful, asked herders to resist moves to be labelled as criminals.
It noted that Fulanis will not accept unfair treatment and also challenged the governor to isolate 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 read.
“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. His duty to protect and improve the security of citizens and all people in Ondo State cannot be challenged.
“No Nigerian has the power to take punitive action against citizens on political grounds. 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 Fulani are subject to all laws and regulations and must respect the communities with which they live and interact. 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 Fulani community in Ondo state should stay put where they are and continue to be law-abiding.
“We call on Governor Akeredolu to rescind his order on the Fulani, or clarify his position in the event that he is misunderstood. For the avoidance of doubt, no Fulani anywhere in Nigeria will accept unfair and illegal treatment just for being Fulani.