Nigeria

Quit notice to herdsmen: Tension as Ondo state government clashes with presidency

Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at 9:31 AM by Kess Ewubare

- The Ondo state government has reacted to a statement from the presidency regarding Governor Akeredolu’s order to herdsmen

- A spokesperson for the government disagrees with the stand of the presidency on the matter

- The state government justifies the governor’s directive to herdsmen

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The Ondo state government has accused the presidency of reacting wrongly to Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s order asking herdsmen to vacate Ondo forest reserves.

According to The Punch, the commissioner for information and orientation, Donald Ojogo said a statement by Garba Shehu, a presidential spokesperson criticising the governor’s order was misplaced.

Order to herdsmen: Ondo state government clashes with presidency — Governor Rotimi Akeredolu has asked all herdsmen in Ondo to register with the state government. Photo: @RotimiAkeredolu
Source: Twitter

He pointed out that the Ondo government did not ask Fulani to leave the state, clarifying that the governor only asked herdsmen who are unregistered to vacate the forests.

Ojogo stated that Shehu’s statement reflected emotional attachment and seem to support the actions of those perpetuating crime under the guise of herdsmen.

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He said:

“The statement from Garba Shehu is brazen display of emotional attachments and it’s very inimical to the corporate existence of Nigeria.

"We need clearly defined actions on the part of the Federal Government to decimate the erroneous impression that the inspiration of these criminal elements masquerading as herdsmen is that of power. Our unity is threatened, no doubt.”

The commissioner alleged that the presidency was playing a double standard by supporting the Ondo governor’s fights against crime while refusing to take a strong stand against herdsmen engaged in criminal acts.

He warned that it would be wrong for anyone to hide under the presidency to promote ethnic nationality and activism.

Ojogo also declared that there was no going back on the governor's order asking herdsmen to vacate all the forest reserves in the state.

In another news, the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) has raised an alarm over plans of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) to infiltrate the Southwest Security Network known as Amotekun.