Quit notice: Miyetti Allah's meeting details with Akeredolu, other governors emerge as Falana tackles FG reaction to Governor Akeredolu

 

Details of the meeting between the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN) and members of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) in Akure, Ondo State capital have emerged.

In a report by Channels TV, Muhammadu Kirowa, the national president told the governors that MACBAN is a peaceful and democratic group.

Kirowa who was represented by Baba Uthman Ngelzama, the national secretary of the association made the disclosure on Monday, January 25.

Miyetti Allah has revealed details of the meeting with Rotimi Akeredolu, other Nigerian governors. Photo credit: @RotimiAkeredolu

According to him, the clashes recently recorded were a result of poor management of the relationship between herders and farmers.

He stressed that because they are a peaceful and democratic association, they are open to working with the government to combat all forms of criminality.While condemning all forms of criminality, the Miyetti Allah leader sued for peace. He maintained that peaceful coexistence can be achieved by dialogue.

Ngelzama also drummed support that night grazing must stop across Nigeria as it is the major cause of conflicts between farmers and herders. 

Meanwhile Nigeria'sprominent human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has accused the federal government of portraying itself as the defender of herdsmen in the country.

The Cable reports that the senior lawyer made the accusation when he appeared as a guest on a Television Continental (TVC) programme on Sunday, January 24.

Falana was reacting to the directive issued to Fulani herdsmen in Ondo state by Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, asking them, especially those not registered, to vacate the state's forest reserves.

Akeredolu issued the directive as part of his efforts to tackle kidnapping and other criminal activities in the southwest state.

Falana , Photo credit: @BashirAhmaad, 

However, the presidency said the governor cannot order herders out of Ondo state, saying such move can trigger crises.

Defend all Nigerians, not just herders - Falana to FG

Reacting to the development, Falana called on the federal government to defend the rights of all Nigerians, irrespective of tribe or class, and stop portraying itself as the defender of herders alone.

The senior lawyer said:

“The federal government is portraying itself as the defender of herders and it is not very good.”

He said the forestry reserve law in the state requires compulsory registration for those who want to carry out operations there.

Falana called on the herders association, Miyetti Allah, to meet with the governor and register its members so that they can continue with their cattle rearing business in the state.

He also urged the presidency and the Ondo government to ensure that the conflict between herders and farmers does not get out of hand
.