“We are also calling on the president of the Senate, Ahmed Lawal, Speaker of the House of Representatives, all legislators, state governors and every political leader to join hand in making Nigeria a peaceful place for us and the next generation”
PEGASUS REPORTERS, LAGOS | OCTOBER 23, 2021
A Fulani socio-cultural group, Gan Allah Fulani Development Association of Nigeria, GAFDAN, has called on Nigerians to douse tension in the land to allow for peaceful resolution of both internal and external threats the county is facing.
Speaking exclusively with Pegasus Reporters, the Assist Youth Leader of GAFDAN, Mallam Muhammadu Goma wonders why the Fulani that have lived peacefully with their neighbors for over two centuries are suddenly a threat to their environment.
“To many people, when Fulani is mentioned, the image that forms in their mind is that of a terrorist. This is painful to us and we are saying that relevant authorities must rise to clear the bad image created for us by a few bad eggs”
According to Mallam Goma, the Fulani man is the most peaceful person you can live with. “in our various communities, traditional rulers can attest to this fact. His Eminence the Sultan of Sokoto has said this many times. The Emir of Keffi and many others have also testified to the fact that Fulani are not violent as it is been painted for the world to see”
Explaining that this negative image is greatly affecting the livelihood of the average Fulani, especially the farmers and traders nationwide, he appealed to the federal government and other top personalities to educate Nigerians about the peaceful nature of an average Fulani man or woman.
“We are predominantly cattle rearers and farmers. We are not denying that their are a few bad eggs among our people. There are, but we have information that many other tribes have taken advantage of the the so-called few vandals or herdsmen in the forest and are now disguising as Fulani herdsmen. If you look closely, you don’t hear of armed robbers again on the highways. Are we saying that every highway robber is now a Fulani herdsman? From Port Harcourt to Bornu, from Abagana to Sokoto, it appears that highway robbery has given way to attacks by so-called Fulani herdsmen. Let me ask you, are you saying that all former armed robbers have repented over night for Fulani herdsmen to take over?
“We must get serious about this matter. Our youths are worried. Our mothers are in pains. Many of us have no other country than Nigeria. Our fore-fathers were born here, we were also born here and daily we hear that Fulani people should be declared terrorists. It hurts us the youths!”
“We have said it many times, terrorism is not native to any tribe. If a Fulani is found to be terrorizing his community, declare him a terrorist and let the law deal with him. If you go to the South-east, South-west or South-south, you will be shocked to find the Fulani man or woman speaking the native language of the community. That should tell you that he or she has fully assimilated into the culture. How then do you say that such a guest is a terrorist because of the few bad eggs among among them?”
Mallam Muhammadu Goma said that while his group, Gan Allah Fulani Development Association fully supports the fight against banditry all over the country, he called on eminent personalities like Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Emeka Anyaoku, the Emirs, Obis and other traditional rulers to encourage their people in assisting the federal government in restoring peace among Nigerian nationalities.
“We cannot be talking of breaking up the country now, having come this long and far. What we all must do is to put heads together to find ways and means to defeat the threats that are facing our country. No matter what you have heard, we Gan Allah Fulani Development Association are ready and willing to assist in finding a lasting solution our country’s problems”
“We are also calling on the president of the Senate, Ahmed Lawal, Speaker of the House of Representatives, all legislators, state governors and every political leader to join hand in making Nigeria a peaceful place for us and the next generation”
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Read Our Previous Post in Hausa translation: Rikicin Kasa: Kungiyar Ci gaban Fulani Gan Gan Fulani Kira Don Tattaunawa