Outraged by Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed’s justifying Fulani herdsmen carrying guns, Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has described him as an anarchist and unfit for public office.
Akeredolu, the Chairman of the Southwest Governors’ Forum, said by his statement he had legitimized carrying of guns by all Nigerians, herdsmen inclusive, for self defence.
“We read with dismay, the outburst in the purported statement by the Bauch state Governor. We are persuaded to believe he didn’t make that statement.
“If indeed he made that statement and owns up to its contents, it then means that the Bauchi state government has declared on behalf of the Federal Government, an Executive Order which now allows all Nigerians, herdsmen inclusive, to carry prohibited firearms like Assault Rifles for self defence.
“That is exactly what the Governor has done and displayed by his conduct which brazenly depicts that whether other Nigerians like it or not, herdsmen must carry Ak 47 for self defence while other non-Fulani herdsmen must remain unarmed to be perpetual victims of arms wielding bandits.
“By that statement, the governor has in one breath, agreed that indeed Fulani herdsmen carry AK 47 and at the same time encouraging all to do likewise.
“The Bauchi governor has by his conduct and attitude, ushered us into the next level on the path to anarchy.
“He’s not fit for public office persons of such ‘impunious’ disposition and character is not fit for public office,” the governor said.
“As long as Nigeria’s Constitution remains unchanged, it is still unlawful for any unauthorized persons to carry prohibited arms.
“The statement is most despicable, highly recommended for the dust bin of careless talks,” Akeredolu said in a statement by the lnformation and Orientation Commissioner, Mr Donald Ojogo.
Persecondnews recalls that Gov. Mohammed had in an interview defended herdsmen carry guns to protect themselves against cattle rustlers who attack, kill and take away their possessions.
Benue Governor, Mr Samuel Orton has also described as shocking and disappointing, the statement of Mohammed.
Ortom said: “lt was shocking that a fellow governor who took the oath to protect and preserve the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria took the lead in violating provisions of the same constitution by calling for lawlessness.
“The most shocking part of governor Bala Mohammed’s statement was where he defended herdsmen for bearing arms saying they have no option than to carry AK47 because the society and the government are not protecting them.
“l wonder which section of the law the Bauchi state governor cited to support herdsmen’s free movement around the country with sophisticated weapons.”
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