The Presidency is facing strong criticism over its disagreement with the Ondo State government on the order for herdsmen to leave forest reserves in the state within seven days.
The Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, says the government of President MUHAMMADU BUHARI has again shown that it is more concerned about promoting Fulani interest.
In a statement by Afenifere spokesman, YINKA ODUMAKIN, said Fulani criminals have caused untold hardships in Ondo State and other Yoruba towns and cities in recent time.
ODUMAKIN noted that only an irresponsible government will continue to fold its arms and allow criminals to hold its citizens to ransom without taking any action.
Similarly; a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, EBUN-OLU ADEGBORUWA, has faulted the Presidency’s interpretation of the constitution over the order of the Ondo State government for herdsmen to leave its forest reserves.
ADEGBORUWA praised Governor ROTIMI AKEREDOLU for what he described as a courageous decision and a display of rare statesmanship.
He said the Nigerian Constitution makes the security and welfare of the people the primary essence of governance.
The senior lawyer said any governor that cannot guarantee the security of lives and properties of the people does not deserve to be in office.
Meanwhile; the Ondo State Government is standing its ground on the deadline for herdsmen to leave its forest reserves.
The Commissioner for Agricultural and Rural Development, ADEGBOYEGA ADEFARATI, said no herdsman will be allowed to graze in Ondo forest reserves without permission.
ADEFARATI said the state government had registered over fifty thousand farmers for various agricultural activities in the forest reserves.
The position was contained in a statement issued by the Commissioner, with the title: ‘Ondo State Government Forest Reserves Policies and Regulation’.
He said if any Nigerian desires land for farming in Government Forest Reserves, such person must apply to the Ondo State Ministry of Agriculture and pay the required fee.
The Commissioner maintained that it was illegal for herdsmen to encroach on Ondo State Government Forest Reserves without permission and graze on farms.