The uproar about ‘quit notice’ to Fulani herdsmen, explained in 300 words

You may have been wondering what the uproar about the ‘quit notice’ issued to Fulani herdsmen to vacate Ondo state is all about.

Here is a look:

On January 18, 2021, Ondo state governor Rotimi Akeredolu ordered Fulani herdsmen in the state’s forests to leave within seven days.

Sunday Igboho also ordered Fulani herdsmen in the Oke-Ogun area of Oyo state to vacate the community.

Why did Akeredolu issue the order:

He said the activities of the herdsmen threaten the security of the state, and described the order as a “major step at addressing the root cause of kidnapping, in particular, and other nefarious activities detailed and documented in security reports, the press and debriefings from victims of kidnap cases in Ondo.”

Could he be right?

Ondo highways rank high among the most insecure across the country. There are daily reports of kidnappings and killings along Benin-Ore road, Akure-Owo road, Owo-Ifon road, Akoko highways and Akure-Ilesa road by suspected Fulani herdsmen who hide in forests to attack travellers.

Akeredolu said: “These unfortunate incidents are traceable to the activities of some bad elements masquerading as herdsmen. These felons have turned our forest reserves into hideouts for keeping victims of kidnapping, negotiating for ransom and carrying out other criminal activities.”

So what is the uproar about?

The Presidency and some Nigerians have criticised Akeredolu over his order, citing Sections 41(1) & 43 of the 1999 Constitution which guarantee right to freedom of movement and acquisition of immovable property anywhere within Nigeria.

Can a governor issue such an order?

Akeredolu said as the Chief Security Officer of the State, he is constitutionally obligated to protect the lives and property of all residents of the State.

Section 45 (1)(a) & (b) also validates his position. It limits the provisions of Section 41 and 43 which guarantee fundamental human rights. It empowers the state to restrict the rights in the interest of defence, public safety, public order or public health; or for the purpose of protecting the rights and freedom of others, respectively.