The former Abia State governor, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, through his Media Aide, Kenneth Udeh, has finally reacted on the alleged media report he was quoted as saying that “Those Killing Nigerians are not Fulani Herdsmen”
Kalu was reacting following a statement credited to him while addressing newsmen in his country home in Igbere, Abia State, where he said that “aggrieved Politicians and runaway insurgents (Boko Haram) from Niger Republic might be behind those unleashing the mayhem on various parts of the country in the guise of Fulani cattle herders.
The statement which sparked missed reactions online following the recent killings by the herdsmen in Benue and Taraba States. Some Nigerians lambasted the former governor for defending the killer herdsmen.
Responding to the peoples reactions in a statement sent to ABACITYBLOG – Chief Kalu said he was quoted out of context, according to him, “Fulani herdsmen may have been involved but It would be highly erroneous and irrational to conclude that all Fulani herdsmen who are nomadic in cattle rearing are killers and generally responsible for the attacks.
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The full statement reads:
Our attention has been drawn to the torrents of reactions from various members of the public which has since trailed recent interview of Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu with newsmen on the 7th of January in the Igbere Country home of the former Governor of Abia State over his comments as reported by various sections of the Media that Fulani herdsmen are not responsible for the attacks and killings of innocent Nigerians in various parts of the country.
Despite the fact that Chief Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu the former Governor of Abia State is entitled to his opinion as a law abiding citizen of the country as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, we would like to categorically state that he was quoted out of context with regards his response to the question of what he thinks over the issue while Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu expresses his sympathy to victims of the attacks ,the general public are encouraged to understand that when critical national se issues arises it is pertinent to look at the causes and solutions to those issues from various angles in order to assist the Army and other sister security agencies solve the problem.
It is well known to every well informed Nigerian that the Nigerian Army including the coordinated joint border task force in Nigerian border countries have dealth decisively with the Boko – Haram terrorists in their various enclaves and strong holds in the Northern parts of Nigeria as well as border countries like Niger. Dr . Orji Uzor Kalu from the interview holds the opinion which actually means that isn’t it possible that such terrorist elements may have “infiltrated” the rank and file of the Fulani herdsmen to continue to perpetrate it’s nefarious evil activities of terrorism by killing people in such barbaric manners ?
There may have been a few instances which the Fulani herdsmen may have been involved but It would be highly erroneous and irrational to conclude that all Fulani herdsmen who are nomadic in cattle rearing are killers and generally responsible for the attacks.
Nigeria even before her independence has lived peacefully with the Fulani herdsmen rearing their cattle in various parts of the country. Dr. Orji Kalu’s opinion poses a series of questions that if well answered might just be the solution to the incessant attacks. That after all these years of the peaceful cattle rearing activities of Fulani herdsmen in Nigeria why is it now that the elections are close by that the attacks are on the rise??
Since the inception of the Administration of President Buhari our gallant Nigerian soldiers under the President have been well equipped without it’s funds being embezzled or diverted to enrich a few in the society, unlike the past administration which has led to the
nefarious activities of Boko Haram being reduced to it’s barest minimum , isn’t it possible that a few aggrieved from the past administration may engaged in deploying their stolen funds to sponsor terrorists from neighbouring countries to infiltrate the Fulani herdsmen under the guise of cattle rearing and land disagreement to perpetrate these attacks inorder to discredit the administration of the President in his fight against corruption and terrorism which the past administration failed woefully in??
The opinion of Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu remains that of his , he may be right or wrong. What matters most is for the security agencies to live up to it’s reaponsibilties by making sure the those resonsible behind the attacks including its sponsors are caught and made to face the full wrath of the law regardless of their tribe and religion.
While Dr. Kalu commends the Nigerian Media the members of the public and good people of Nigeria are encouraged to be properly guided with statements as we seek a lasting solution these attacks.
Kenneth Udeh
Media Assistant to His Excellency Chief Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu former Governor of Abia State.
