Ondo: Presidency Doesn’t Know The Meaning Of Forest Reserve – Gani Adams

Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, on Wednesday, condemned the presidency over its take on the vacation ordered directed to Fulani herdsmen by Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

Adams in his statement claimed that President Muhammadu Buhari has failed to protect Nigerians, hence the need for governors take charge.

Naija News had earlier reported that the Ondo State Governor directed herdsmen occupying the forest reserves to vacate it in the next seven days

The Yoruba leader noted that the governor as the chief security officer of the state has the duty to protect the lives and property.

Adams described Garba Shehu’s reaction as a threat to the sanctity of Ondo and a deliberate attempt to work against the state.

He maintained that the reserved forest was under the jurisdiction of the state government.

“Garba Shehu/Presidency apparently doesn’t know the meaning of a reserved forest. It’s not accessible except to authorized personnel/loggers. Apart from the place being a place for valued cash trees, it’s also meant as a haven of safety for protected animals against poachers.”

Adams noted that the herdsmen living in the forest are not only unauthorized, they would likely cut down trees to make fires and must also kill animals for food

“A reserved forest is not a place of residence for anyone, not even Ondo indigenes or farmers. It is most unfortunate that such a statement is coming directly from the presidency, which according to the constitution, has the prerogative to protect the people.”

The Yoruba leader accused the Buhari government of plotting to stand against the plan of the state government to get rid of the bad elements masquerading as herders and pastoralists.

Adams cited security instances of killings, kidnappings and robberies.

“The governor’s convoy was attacked on two occasions. Two prominent Obas have been kidnapped. A first-class monarch was killed by bandits masquerading as Fulani herdsmen. A university lecturer was abducted. The daughter of Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti was murdered. Chief Olu Falae’s farm was invaded on four occasions, leading to the death of one of our members, a security man.”

The high chief insisted that the governor’s decision is in the right direction and in the interest of the state.

He called on Yorubas to support Southwest governors in their fight against insurgency across the region.