Former Kaduna central senator, Shehu Sani, has urged the Ondo state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu to think otherwise on his decision ordering Fulani herdsmen to vacate forest reserves in the state.
Akeredolu on Monday gave the order in a statement, following the rise in insecurity in the state despite the launch of Western Nigeria Security Network, known as Amotekun., ordered Fulani herdsmen to vacate forest reserves in Ondo State within seven days.
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The former senator in a short message to the governor on his Facebook page said it is wrong to ask all cattle herders to leave the state while they have the right to live anywhere they want in the country.
He added that the government at all levels has to make efforts to punish those who breach the law and respect the rights of the innocent.
“My Dear Governor Akeredolu, I’m quite aware of the security challenges facing your state.
“I appreciate your efforts, but it’s outrightly and completely wrong to ask ALL cattle herders to leave Ondo forests.
“The sins of a criminal few should not affect the law-abiding and peaceful ones who have the right to live and move freely in all parts of our country.
“Efforts must continue to be made to deal with those who breach the law, while and respecting and protecting the rights of the innocent,” he said.
However, in its reaction to the matter, the Presidency on Tuesday said Ondo State government would not act outside the Constitution in tackling crime.
A presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, said in a statement that “the Presidency has been keenly monitoring events occurring in Ondo State and the ‘orders’ by the government of the state, ‘asking herders to vacate the forests in seven days.’
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