Presidency and Akeredolu administration exchange words over directive to herdsmen

The presidency has tackled the governor of Ondo state, Rotimi Akeredolu, over his order asking all herders to vacate forest reserves in the state within seven days.

Garba Shehu, the senior special assistant to the president Muhammadu Buhari on media and publicity in a statement he signed on Tuesday encouraged the state government to tackle all forms of criminality but not breach the rights of herders in the state.

Governor Akeredolu on Monday gave an ultimatum to herders to vacate all forests while meeting with leaders of Hausa/Fulani and Ebira communities at his office in Alagabaka, Akure, the state capital.

He cited how the activities of the herders have long been threatening the security of the state.

The state then mandated those who wish to carry on with their cattle-rearing business to register with appropriate authorities within the next seven days or risk evacuation from the state.

In the meantime, the Ondo state government says it did not ask the Fulani to leave Ondo state, but that unregistered herdsmen should vacate forests in the state.

It describes the statement from Garba Shehu as a brazen display of emotional attachments that is inimical to the corporate existence of Nigeria.

The statement by the commissioner for information, Donald Ojogo, adds that ethnic nationality or activism on the part of anyone hiding under the presidency is an ill wind.

The Akeredolu administration stresses the need for clearly defined actions from the federal government to change the impression that the inspiration of the criminals disguised as herdsmen is that of power.