‘The Statement Is Most Despicable’ – Akeredolu Blasts Bauchi Gov Over Defence Of Armed Herdsmen

Rotimi Akeredolu, governor of Ondo state, has lampooned Bala Mohammed, his Bauchi state counterpart, for rationalising the use of arms by herders.

On Thursday, Mohammed said there was nothing wrong in herders bearing arms, as they need them to protect themselves against criminal elements they encounter in the forest.

Reacting to the governor’s remarks and position on the herdsmen Crisis, Akeredolu said Mohammed’s Indiscretion and reckless statement has pushed the country to the brink of anarchy.

In a statement by Donald Ojogo, his commissioner for information and orientation, on Saturday, Akeredolu said his governor colleague has encouraged all other Nigerians to carry arms, adding that someone with such pedestrian reasoning should not be seen on the balcony of power.

“We read with dismay, the outburst in the purported statement by the Bauchi state governor. We are persuaded to believe he didn’t make that statement,” the statement read in part.

“If indeed he made that statement and owns up to its contents, it then means that the Bauchi state governor 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 impecunious disposition and character is not fit for public office”

He added that so far Nigeria has not made any alteration to its constitution regarding the possession of weapons, it’s illegal for unauthorised individuals to bear weapons.

”As long as Nigeria’s consideration remains unchanged, it is still unlawful for any unauthorised persons to carry prohibited arms. The statement is most despicable, highly recommended for the dust bin of careless talks.”

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