The Nigerian Governors Forum has backed Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, stating that Fulani herdsmen in the state were not asked to leave the southwestern state.
Chairman of the Nigeria Governor’s Forum Kayode Fayemi who is also the Governor of Ekiti stated this during a meeting between members of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and members of the Nigeria Governors Forum on Monday.
Governors of Ondo, Osun, Ekiti, Oyo, Jigawa, and Kebbi states were in attendance.
According to Governor Fayemi, the meeting was called to resolve the issue of insecurity in the Southwest region of Nigeria
He explained that the order pronounced by Governor Rotimi Akeredolu was misconstrued by the media, particularly the social media, and noted that Akeredolu had not ordered citizens of Fulani origin to leave Ondo State.
“Many members of MACBAN were born in the Southwest. So, Akeredolu cannot ask Fulani to vacate Ondo State. The area concerned is the forest reserves and it is about registration and also to work in line with the law.
“What we are after is the criminals, not Fulani herdsmen, criminals are criminals irrespective of their ethnic group,” Fayemi said.
By Abel Ejikeme
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