There is an adage that it isn’t possible to see a flower grow because it happens so slowly, however, the sun setting slowly can be observed. A growing flower is associated with development, while the setting sun is associated with retrogression. Anyone paying serious attention to the mismanagement of the Nigerian nation should be apprehensive that the sun may be slowly setting. The nation is full of sad and dispirited people experiencing an economy in free fall, massive unemployment and a breakdown in law and order.
Even as Nigerian politicians busy themselves promoting their self-interest through various forms of treasury looting and assorted unprincipled behaviour, the nation’s federal structure is being severely tested by the outrageous and atrocious level of insecurity. The federal government’s failure to effectively tackle insecurity has given rise to more people like Sunday Adeyomo in Oyo State and more can reasonably be expected to follow. Popularly known as Sunday Igboho, he is merely filling the void created by government’s abysmal security record.
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Igboho blamed Fulani “herders” for unsolved killings and kidnappings in Oyo State and gave them seven days’ notice to leave. Upon expiration of the notice he and his “supporters” moved to Ibarapa, and allegedly launched attacks on a Fulani community. This should have come as no surprise to anyone. There had been enough warnings. In a situation in which the leadership at federal level shows no respect for the opinions of state governors, council chairmen and traditional rulers, private individuals will gain the support of citizens and act as they please.
There is no disputing that Igboho doesn’t have any authority to do what he is doing, but the simple truth is that his people are tired of being murdered or kidnapped with nobody being held responsible or found guilty. Whenever the state fails in security, people will resort to self-help leading to a breakdown of law and order. It’s called “self-defence”. Igboho is popular amongst his people for showing concern for their lives while unprincipled politicians concentrate on promoting their own selfish-interests. The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, must tread carefully on this matter. If he arrests Igboho it would probably lead to escalation and possible insurrection in his own state where no single Fulani has ever been convicted of breaking the law.
There is no gainsaying that if Makinde didn’t say what he said, there would be a suspicion that he is probably the force behind Igboho. However, he must be careful not to inflame passions by ordering non-Yoruba soldiers to potentially kill his kinsmen. Makinde is the opposite of Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu who has sided firmly with his people and ordered all the Fulani out of the bush. This is the reality of the botched security processes in Nigeria of today. Meanwhile for reasons best known to them the “herdsmen” committing the atrocities, the majority of whom are allegedly not from Nigeria, are issuing emboldened threats to genuine Nigerians.
Claiming quite ridiculously that they own all the land in Nigeria they ignore the fact that by Nigerian law land is vested in state governments, individuals and communities and can only be used through rent or purchase otherwise it is trespass. The Constitution doesn’t bestow the “power to live” in any part of the country, rather it gives “freedom to reside”. Residing has legal connotations, of paying rents or owning the land. The fallacy that not being educated and roaming around following cattle is the “Fulani way of life” is debunked by the number of Fulani elite residing in the most affluent parts of Nigeria like Maitama, Asokoro in Abuja, or Victoria Island in Lagos.
How come they are living in luxury and educating their children overseas instead of roaming the bush in poverty and illiteracy? The increasing bellicosity of “herdsmen” can only lead to the conclusion that they have support from high places. There can be no disputing that the federal government’s reluctance to prosecute Fulani “herdsmen” arrested by police, or show requisite compassion for the victims of their routine and commonplace brutality has enhanced suspicion of ulterior motives. It is trite that when political leaders fail to listen to people on how to solve a problem, non-state actors will fill the space. Hence the likes of Sunday Ighoho are becoming increasingly popular.
With the virtual collapse of the security system and in the absence of any sensible generally accepted actionable plan by the federal government, Nigerians, nationwide, are becoming disillusioned with the nation. The saddest aspect of the current troubles with Fulani is that Nigerians seem to accept militant and usually criminal behaviour from elements from the ethnic stock of whoever is President at the time. President Obasanjo’s tenure experienced OPC agitation, President Jonathan’s era was virtually synonymous with Niger-Delta militants’ activities, and now President Buhari’s era is renowned for unparalleled insecurity through Boko Haram, Miyetti Allah and Fulani herdsmen.
Perhaps the most regrettable yet significant aspect of the matter is that the federal government responds to every issue that has to do with “herdsmen” by supporting their lawlessness. It’s a sure sign of the imminent collapse of a state when government is reduced to bargaining with criminals while brutalizing the law abiding protestors. While top political leaders and those who can afford the “rental fee” protect themselves with at least four armed policemen each, ordinary citizens have to cope with robbers, kidnappers “herdsmen” roaming freely while extorting and killing daily.
Most disappointingly top officials in the security apparatus spend their time issuing threats against law abiding Nigerians who express concern or disappointment, while they take no action against those who wilfully break the law. This has led to suspicions that heavy economic gains are accruing to security officials and militant groups while little attention is paid to the welfare of those affected by their inglorious deeds. Paradoxically the lethargic federal government is on fire from both sides of the chasm.
In addition to all the condemnation from human rights activists, Myetti Allah spokesperson on behalf of the “herdsmen” have said openly that President Buhari has done nothing for them except create enemies! Indeed, the present administration definitely has misplaced priorities. They routinely concern themselves with so called “developmental programmes” while patriotism amongst Nigerians is justifiably diminishing. It’s a shame how they serially fail to find appropriate solutions to internal policy matters. They are fighting COVID-19 with all “seriousness” (and unjustifiable expenses) while citizens are being murdered and brutalised daily! Increasingly Nigerians see little benefit in remaining together. The British who amalgamated Nigeria have voted to leave the European Union in their best interests. An increasing number of Nigerian ethnic groups feel the same way. If the federal government doesn’t wake up to its responsibilities then maybe the sun is truly setting on the nation.
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