The Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has warned against the reported proposed N100 billion funds for the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria.
Adams said such allocation will further encourage the springing up of additional pressure groups across the country.
The Generalissimo of Yorubaland spoke amid the refutal of the report by the Presidency.
In a statement he personally signed on Sunday, Adams said such funds should be channeled to other lucrative areas to avoid crisis that may trigger off in other zones, particularly in the Niger Delta region.
The Aare OnaKakanfo pointed out that the Federal Government should realise the fact that the spate of insecurity in the country is alarming and it is not limited to the North alone, hence there was no point treating such with kid gloves in favour of a section at the expense of others.
Iba Adams said: “The issue at stake is about the spate of insecurity across the nation, it is not limited to the North. Therefore, the Federal Government needs to be cautious on the move. Here in the South West, the spate of insecurity is raging.
“For instance, in Akokoland, in Ondo State, which happens to be my hometown, there were series of attacks and kidnapping that had been raging and still on the increase. People have been killed and kidnapped at will, and the situation still continues till the present moment.
“Last year, Chief Olu Falae’s farm was invaded and destroyed by this group of herdsmen; Chief Alani Akinrinade also suffered the same fate. In Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, a prominent Yoruba son lost several millions to the activities of these killer herdsmen.
“Several other people in the South West had had the bitter experience. A situation whereby an Oba in Akokoland and a lecturer from Obafemi Awolowo University were kidnapped along Ilesha-Ife Road and released after paying huge N5 million as ransom is pathetic and not too good for the nation.”
Adams noted that the proposed N100 billion for Miyetti Allah is much higher than the total budget for the Niger Delta Development Commission for three years, arguing that the move can trigger avoidable crisis across all the zones in the country.
The Aare Onakakanfo also urged the Federal Government to, as a matter of urgency, extend its new security arrangement to other zones, assuring that in South West, there are groups that are keen to support the government’s initiatives of reducing the spate of insecurity in the zone.
The warlord while reacting to the new security measures put in place recently by the Minister for Defence, Mansur Dan Ali, at a meeting with traditional rulers, which took place at the Arewa House, Kaduna, urging them to create local security apparatus in order to fight the increasing spate of insecurity in the North, lamented that government has never deemed it fit to extend the olive branch to the other regions or geopolitical zones.
The Aare, however, commended President Muhammadu Buhari on his views about true federalism, calling on him to handle it the way and manner he handled the June 12 issue, which has today made him a hero.
Iba Adams said: “With the new situation, I think Mr. President has an idea of what we have been saying all these days about true federalism and restructuring. Nigeria’s problems can only be solved with true federalism.
“Many of the problems plaguing our nation, especially insecurity, can be addressed through true federalism. For example, if all the regions develop at their own pace, every other issue, including security, power and health, would be taken care of at the state level.
“The President will be in the best position to coordinate the affairs and efforts could be made to get the country back on the right track. So, it is interesting to note that Mr. President can hear the voices of many Nigerians that true federalism is the solution to the problems of the country.”
Iba Adams advised President Buhari to be cautious of some dubious and selfish politicians who may want to discourage him from handling issue of federalism to the benefits of the country as well as the citizens.
He emphasised: “I want to appreciate the President on his position on true federalism. I want also call on him to address the issue the way he perfectly handled that of June 12, which today has earned him lot of respect and leadership qualities. He should also be wary of dubious and selfish politicians who may want to discourage him.”