I would like to see the formation of a people’s body called Fulanis Against Herdsmen Killings as in this post-coronavirus environment Nigeria can no longer afford the huge security costs involved

Ayo Akinfe

(1) We have all been dazzled by the huge public outcry over the killing of Floyd George in Minnesota. I am very pleased to see the massive revulsion across America over the racist murder and police brutality

(2) Contrary to what most Nigerians believe, it is such public outrages that guarantee human rights and decent living conditions. In Nigeria, we erroneously believe that good governance will solve all our problems even if the public is docile

(3) In the US or any decent country, there is no way they would tolerate the Fulani herdsmen massacres. There would be such a public outcry after it happened the first time that the incidence would be limited to just once. Unfortunately, Nigerians keep mum on such matters and naively think the government can eliminate such evil on its own

(4) I am sure everyone has noticed that despite whatever nonsense Donald Trump says or does, opposition to racism continues in the US. If anything, it is the weight of public opinion that will force the US government to act

(5) In Nigeria today, about 20% of our $28.8bn annual budget goes on “security” with the Boko Haram and Fulani herdsmen crises consuming the bulk of funds. In this post-coronavirus era, we simply cannot afford that anymore, so have no choice but to eliminate both scourges or they will ruin us financially

(6) With regards to Boko Haram, the Chadian Army has proven that they have the measure of them. I would just pay the Chadians a one-off sum of say $10m with a mandate to eliminate Boko Haram within a fortnight. Nigeria is not interested in ending this menace so we simply have to outsource it to those up to the job

(7) With regards to the Fulani herdsmen saga, it only continues because ordinary, moderate, law-abiding and peaceful Fulanis tolerate it. If they flushed out the criminals in their midst, refused to accept those coming in from across West Africa and exposed the politicians funding them, the scourge would end tomorrow

(8) I would like to see some of our moderate Fulani leaders like Shehu Sani and Lamido Sanusi create a body called Fulanis Against Herdsmen Killings and organise weekly marches in major cities like Kano, Kaduna, Jos, Sokoto, Katsina, Bauchi, etc

(9) If these killers and their sponsors are exposed as an infinitesimal minority who do not represent the Fulani or the cattle industry, their campaign of terror will wither on the vine. Macban will die a natural death as nobody will want to be associated with its murderous agenda

(10) If we keep waiting for change from above, Nigeria will never get better. This US outrage should serve as a challenge to Nigerians. If you want change, get off your backsides and do it yourself! - Be the change you want to see!

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