Alaigbo Political Leadership Awareness the decision of the minister of justice, Abubakar Malami to compare spare parts business to the freedom of cows roam about and destroy properties and farmlands is disingenuous and an affront to Southerners and humanity.
The group in a statement on Friday said it was common knowledge that the motor spare parts business is dominated mainly by people of Igbo extraction while the practice of open grazing, is predominantly practised by the Fulanis.
“Unlike the spare parts business which is peaceful and does not result in the loss of lives or properties, the Fulanis who engage in open grazing, routinely destroy farms, kill farmers, rape women and girls, who resist the destruction of their farms by the cows, herded by the Fulanis
“Comparing the movement of human beings (Igbo spare parts sellers) which is a constitutionally protected right, to the freedom of cows to roam about and destroy properties and farmlands, is disingenuous and an affront to Southerners and humanity.
“The statement also indicates that the AGF, the highest law officer of the Federation, condones the destruction of lives and properties; which is the hallmark of the Fulanis herders that practice open grazing. We stand against open grazing.
“Based on the foregoing, it is safe to say, that the AGF, who is vested with the responsibility of protecting the law and order in Nigeria, is openly advocating for lawlessness. This makes him unfit for office, and he should forthwith, be relieved of his position.
“We are glad that the Ondo State Governor, the Chairman of the Southern Governors Forum, has issued a counter statement and we are hopeful that he, and the other Southern Governors, will match their words with actions.
“Nonetheless, we are gravely disturbed by the silence of the Governors of South-East Nigeria, to whom the AGF’s statement was directed at.
“APLAF is ashamed of the Governors of Ala-Igbo for not standing up to defend their people and their land at this time against provocative utterances that put the lives of our people at risk
“APLAF along with other Pro-Igbo and Pro-Southern groups are solidly in support of the Southern Governors’ resolutions, as set out in the communique issued at Asaba, banning open grazing in Southern Nigeria”.
