Emir of Kano, Mr Muhammadu Sanusi II, has said Fulani herdsmen should obey Anti-Open Grazing Law in states where it is in force in the interest of peace and stability of the country.
Sanusi spoke yesterday in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State capital, at meetings with security agencies and interest groups.
The frontline monarch said the law is in the interest of everybody and not targeted at crippling herdsmen economically.
He said the law caters for the welfare of herdsmen, their host communities, farmers and security agencies.
The meeting, hosted by Governor Ayo Fayose at the Government House Pavilion, was attended by National President of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Mr Muhammadu Kiruwa.
Security chiefs from the police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Security Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Army, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Prison Services (NPS), Nigeria Immigration Service (NPS) and local hunters attended the meeting.
Also present were leaders of herdsmen in Southwest, leaders of Hausa and Fulani communities, farmers, traditional rulers and top government functionaries.
Amnesty was promised any armed herdsman who surrenders his arms to security agencies.
Sanusi, who is a patron of MACBAN, was represented by former Kano State Governor and Sardauna of Kano, Mr Ibrahim Shekarau.
He said: “My mission is not politics; it is about peace and peaceful coexistence of our nation. I am standing here for the Emir and I am the Sardauna of Kano.
“The Emir mandated me to come here with the leadership of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association and find out how we can work amicably. He feels that as a patron of the group, he must ensure peace. He praised Governor Fayose for promoting peace.
“The law Governor Fayose enacted is the best to defend the rights of farmers and cattle breeders. Whoever crosses the red line should be dealt with, as the law provides. Breeders should obey the rules of the communities they reside.”
Kiruwa described the meeting as an eye opener to end clashes between farmers and herders.
He said: “I am really impressed with the governor for organising this meeting. Some state governors would just sit in their offices and not being proactive like Mr Fayose.
“Some misconceptions that I personally had against the governor have been cleared now.
“I can say it categorically that Fayose is a true leader of his people. He is definitely a lover of all groups, including the Fulani. I can say he is the Sarkin Fulani of Ekiti State.
“He is a peaceful leader and represents hope for all. We align ourselves with the grazing law, as made by the Ekiti State government because it protects the interest of all parties.”
Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Mr Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, the Aladesanmi III, said Fayose, being a visionary leader, enacted the law, following the killing of some residents of Irele-Ekiti about two years ago.
He added: “Some people thought he wanted to create problems with the law. But as a visionary leader, he only took a proactive step and that was what prevented bloodshed, like we had in some states.
“We need to tackle the issue before it gets out of hand. We are toying with danger, if care is not taken. I would suggest that traditional rulers from across the country move round to meet and interact with the people.”
Fayose said the essence of the meeting was to resolve issues instead of beating the drums of war.
He said: “A criminal is one and should be so treated. Our interest is peace. As we are interested in the welfare of everybody, we must not allow criminal elements to go free.
“Our relationship goes beyond cows. We must respect each other and we will cooperate to achieve results.
“We want Ekiti to be a shining example. Anybody who needs to be charged to court or fined will be so disciplined.”
The Nation