Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, on Sunday kicked against the proposed N100billion funds allocated to Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), saying that such allocation would further encourage the spring up of additional pressure groups across the country.
Rather, Adams said such funds should be channelled to other lucrative areas to avoid crisis which might trigger off in other zones, particularly, in the Niger Delta region.
The Aare said this said this in a signed statement, pointing out that the Federal Government should realize the fact that, the spate of insecurity in the country was alarming, and 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,” he said, recalling particular instances where the farms of Chief Olu Falae and General Alani Akinrinde were destroyed, with killings, kidnapping, among others, resulting in other series of attacks.
“For instance, in Akokoland, 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.
“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 million to the activities of these killer herdsmen.
“Several other people in the South-West had had the bitter experience. A situation whereby an Oba in Akokoland, 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,” Iba Adams said.
Speaking further, Adams, while noting that the proposed N100billion for Miyetti Allah was far higher than the total budget for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NNDC) for three years, urged the Federal Government, to as a matter of urgency, extend the new security arrangement to other zones in the country.
This was just as he assured that, in South- West, there were groups that were keen to support the government’s initiatives on reducing the spate of insecurity in the zone.
Reacting to the directive issued at a recent meeting at Arewa House by Minister for Defence, Mansur Dan Ali, to the northern traditional rulers to create local security apparatus in order to fight the increasing spate of insecurity in the North, Adams lamented that the government had never deemed it fit to extend the same olive branch to the other regions or geo-political zones in Nigeria.
The Aare, however, commended President Muhammadu Buhari on his views about true federalism, urging him to handle the matter the way and manner he handled the June 12 issue, which today made him a hero, even as he declared that Nigeria’s problems can only be solved with true federalism put in place.
“I want to appreciate the president on his position on true federalism. I want also to call on him, to address the issue, the way he perfectly handled the June 12, which today earned him a lot of respect and leadership qualities.
“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 issue, 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 a solution to the problem of the country,” he added.
Iba Adams enjoined Buhari to be cautious of some dubious and selfish politicians, who, he said might want to discourage him, from handling issue of federalism to the benefits of the country, as well as the citizens, adding: “He should also be wary of dubious and selfish politicians who may want to discourage him.”