Home NEWS Angry Tinubu To Afenifere’s Odumakin: You Are Suffering From Selective Amnesia

Angry Tinubu To Afenifere’s Odumakin: You Are Suffering From Selective Amnesia

The National leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that the National Publicity Secretary of a Pan Yoruba Socio cultural group, Afenifere, Professor Yinka Odumakin is suffering from what he called selective amnesia, advising him that he needs a cure for his seeming selective comprehension.

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 swore 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:

SHORT TERM

The violence has thankfully subsided. Government must sustain wise policy and action to keep peace and prevent violent recurrences.

1. Government must maintain reasonable and effective military and law enforcement presence in the affected areas. This presence should work with leaders of both the herder and farmer communities as well as traditional and religious leaders.

2. Government should develop a comprehensive remedial/rehabilitation strategy for victims of the violent crisis.

See also:  Former Attorney-General, Mohammed Adoke Acquitted In Corruption Trial

3. Government must help herders gradually shift from their traditional nomadic existence to a more static lifestyle.  We have to face the reality that modernity is making the nomadic way counterproductive and inefficient.

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.

4. Government should establish a permanent panel as a forum for farmers and herders to discuss their concerns and identify ways to mitigate contention.  This will also help educate the general public.

LONG TERM

1. Nigeria needs to take the lead for Africa in international community for dealing with climate change.

2.  Water catchment and conservation systems must be developed. This includes the prudent use of dams and irrigation sub-systems maintainable at the local level.

3. More water efficient farming techniques must be employed.

4.  Projects to protect the land for additional desertification must take adequate priority.

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.”

Leave a Reply