The Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba land,
Gani Adams, has condemned the proposed N100billion funds allocated
to Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), explaining
that such allocation will further encouraged the spring up of additional
pressure groups across the country.
Adams
gave the caution note in a statement he personally signed on Sunday, stating
that such funds should be channeled to other lucrative areas, to avoid crisis
which may trigger off in other zones, particularly, in the Niger Delta region.
The
Aare OnaKakanfo pointed out that, the Federal Government should realized the
fact that, the spate of insecurity in the country is alarming, and it is not
limited to the North alone, hence, there was no point treating such with kid
gloves in favour of a section at the expense of others
"The
issue at stake is about the spate of insecurity across the nation, it is not
limited to the North. Therefore, the Federal Government needs to be cautious on
the move. Here in the South West, the spate of insecurity is raging’, the statement
reads.
“For
instance, in Akoko land, in Ondo State, which happens to be my hometown, there
were series of attacks and kidnapping that had been raging and still on the
increase. People have been killed, and kidnapped at will, and the situation
still continues till the present moment.” Adams said.
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| Miyetti Allah and their cattle |
“Last
year, Chief Olu Falae's farm was invaded and destroyed by this group of
herdsmen; Chief Alani Akinrinade also suffered the same fate. In Ijebu Ode,
Ogun State, a prominent Yoruba son lost several millions to the activities of
these killer herdsmen. Several other people in the South-West had the same bitter
experience. A situation whereby an Oba in Akoko land, and a lecturer from
Obafemi Awolowo University were kidnapped along Ilesha-Ife road, and released
after paying huge five million naira as ransom is pathetic and not too good for
the nation."
Adams noted that the proposed N100bn
for Miyetti Allah is very much higher than the total budget package for the
Niger Delta Development Commission (NNDC) for three years, arguing that the
move can trigger avoidable crisis across all the zones in the country.
The
Aare Onakakanfo, also urged the Federal Government, to as a matter of urgency,
extend the new security arrangement to other zones assuring that, in South-
West, there are groups that are keen to support government's initiatives on
reducing the spate of insecurity in the zone.
The
warlord while reacting to the new security measures put in place recently, by
the Minister for Defense, Mansur Dan Ali, at a meeting with traditional rulers
which took place at the Arewa House, and urging them to create local security
apparatus in order to fight the increasing spate of insecurity in the North,
lamented that, government has never deemed it fit to extend the olive branch to
the other regions or geo-political zones.
The
Aare, however, commended President Muhammadu Buhari on his views about true
federalism, calling him to handle the true federalism, the way and manner he
handled the June 12 issue, which today made him a hero.
"With
the new situation, I think Mr. President has an idea of what we have been
saying all these days about true federalism and restructuring. Nigeria's
problems can only be solved with true federalism,” he said.
“Many
of the problems plaguing our nation, especially, insecurity can be addressed
through federalism. For example, if all the regions develop at their own pace,
every other issues; including security, power, and health would be taken care
of at the state level.
“The
President will be in the best position to coordinate the affairs, and efforts
could be made to get the country back on the right track. So, it is interesting
to note that Mr. President can hear the voices of many Nigerians that see true
federalism as solution to the problem of the country.”
He
advised President Muhammed Buhari to be cautious of some dubious and selfish
politicians, who may want to discourage him, from handling issue of federalism
to the benefits of the country, as well as the citizens.
“I
want to appreciate the President on his position on true federalism. I want
also call on him, to address the issue, the way he perfectly handled the June
12, which today earned him lot of respect and leadership qualities. He should
also be wary of dubious and selfish politicians who may want to discourage him.”
Adams emphasized.
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