Thursday, October 11, 2018 12:09 am
The National leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu said the the National Publicity Secretary of a Pan Yoruba Socio cultural group, Afenifere, Professor Yinka Odumakin is suffering from ‘selective amnesia.’
Tinubu, who was reacting to Odumakin alleged misinterpretation of his speech the 2-day Conflict Resolution Summit, which ended yesterday, Tuesday in Abuja regarding his reference to herdsmen and farmers conflict in some parts of the country, that he took a full view of the range of short and long term options for an enduring peace in the incessant herders and farmers clashes.
Asiwaju noted that he did not mention South West in particular and that what he said was based on certain context thus: “unoccupied, isolated land can quickly be turned into grazing areas in the affected states.”
The former Lagos Governor argued that it is not only some states in the South West that are affected but several states across the country and then asked: “why Odumakin suddenly gets hot under the collar may not be far-fetched. The usual frenzy and self-righteous mentality he portrays is on full display.
“Perhaps, next time he should read through the whole submission and caution himself from self-righteousness and displaying in full glare anarchical emotions. And if Odumakin’s delusion still allows him to read, perhaps a read though of the full chunk of what I said at the summit will educate him better. It’s as follows:
The violence has thankfully subsided. Government must sustain wise policy and action to keep peace and prevent violent recurrences.
Unoccupied, isolated land can quickly be turned into grazing areas in the affected states. In the long run, this will enable herders to better maintain their livestock and thus their own livelihoods.
LONG TERM
These recommendations are suggestive and not at all comprehensive. However, I think they convey the idea that dealing with the immediate crisis is essential. But we also must position ourselves to deal with these larger forces which are at the deepest root of this challenge. If we cannot get to this root, our short-term efforts may be successful but over time they will be of decreasing utility.
This is a problem that is mostly not of your doing but one that you must solve for the future of this nation and its people. If you allow your greatness as a nation to show, you shall succeed in securing the benefits of a good life and suitable environment people for generations to come. That is the Nigeria I see and believe in.”
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