The Governor of Kogi Sate, Alhaji Yahya Bello has threatened to dethrone any traditional ruler that records fulani/farmer clash in his domain.
He also said the local government administrator, whether elected or appointed in the area will also be removed and face full wrath of law.
Governor Bello added that his tenure as the Governor of the confluence state will nor=t enact any law that will oppose the grazing act or prevent the fulanis from doing their lawful business in the state.
Bello said, “I am deeply concern over some incidences that have to do with clashes between farmers, Nigeria belongs to all of us, Kogi state belongs to all of us including the Fulanis and non fulanis, therefore as far as the constitution of Nigeria 1999 as amended there is freedom of association, as we go about our normal business there is no part of the state that will be forbidden for the fulanis
“I am not going to enact any law to stop fulani herdsmen from coming to Kogi state, I will not enact any law that will forbid them from going about their normal and lawful business in Kogi state, why don’t we develop a law that will make all of us to be inclusive and live together harmoniously.
“While we are going to guarantee the safety of your lives and properties, you must also show that you care about our farmers, you care about the farms because agriculture is the new source of income we are rediscovering in the country, we will not allow you to destroy the farms but nobody will restrict you from carrying out your normal and lawful businesses.
“Anywhere there is such clash again we will take very harsh measures including dethroning any traditional ruler that cannot secure his domain, including removing any administrator whether appointed or elected, they will be removed and made to face the full wrath of the law”.
Earlier in the meeting, some traditional rulers have suggested promulgation of law banning the herdsmen from the state as the solution to the incessant clashes.
