7 ways president said you've been unfair to him over Fulani herdsmen
7 ways Buhari expressed frustration over Fulani herdsmen.
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When the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) led by Archbishop Ignatius Kaigamapaid the president a courtesy visit on February 8, 2018, Buhari used the opportunity to explain what his government has been up to as it concerns the herdsmen-farmers clashes.
1. Buhari says he’s on top of the situation
The president says he's really doing his best to end the killings and violence.
"The recent killings in Benue, Adamawa, Taraba, and Zamfara states are all regrettable, and saddening. But even more importantly, I am very much aware of all the issues at stake, and doing my best to ensure that justice is done and the security of lives and property guaranteed."
2. Killer herdsmen will be duly prosecuted
"The security agencies have standing instructions to arrest and prosecute any and all persons found with illegal arms. In addition, quite a number of arrests have been made so far, in relation to the killings, and all these persons will be duly prosecuted", Buhari says.
3. Buhari says it's unfair to say he's just been chilling and doing nothing
In the president's words, "It is quite frankly dishonest and unfair to insinuate that I am sitting doing nothing, while these killings are going on. Nothing could be further from the truth.
"I have and will continue to act in line with my responsibility as President to ensure security of lives and property."
4. President says his experience as a military officer will help him tackle the crisis
"At every step, I have tried to foresee these security problems, counting on my experience as a former military officer who commanded three out of the four divisions of the Nigerian army, in Lagos, Ibadan and Jos. We will surely make progress, and end the bloodshed."
Nice.
5. Buhari says he'll tackle herdsmen the way he handled Boko Haram in the Northeast
"I would like Nigerians to look at what we have accomplished so far in the Northeast, when you compare what the condition was before we came in and what it is now. We are bringing that same determination and political will to all of Nigeria's other security challenges."
Your thoughts on this one?
6. There's no plan to colonize any part of Nigeria
Ok, if you've been raging because of the phrase "cattle colonies", Buhari says there's really no need to worry.
"Questions and false insinuations have also come up regarding the ranching solution proposed by the federal government.
"Let me state very clearly that the policy— conceived after wide consultations with stakeholders—is not meant to colonize any part of the country."
Ok.
7. Everyone will work together to get this whole mess fixed
"We will continue to work closely with all stakeholders - State Governments, local communities, farmers, pastoralists, civil society and others—and to support initiatives to ensure peace and stability in restive areas", Buhari says.
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