•We won’t condone arms’ use
From Geoffrey Anyanwu, Awka
Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, has vowed there will be no room for any herdsman wielding AK-47 rifles and other dangerous weapons in the state.
Consequently, he has warned cattle herders in the state against carrying dangerous weapons, stressing that anyone caught would face the wrath of the law.
Obiano’s warning came just as the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, has recommended ranching as solution to the incessant herdsmen’s attack in the country.
The governor, who spoke during at a reception in his Aguleri country home after receiving the chieftaincy title of Ebubedike Aguleri from his community, maintained that on no account should herdsmen with dangerous weapons, including AK-47, be allowed in the state.
Noting that he had been briefed on the update of the Fulani cattle menace experienced in some parts of the state, as the Chief Security Officer, Obiano assured the people that he is on top of the situation and will ensure that the matter is quickly and amicably resolved.
Obiano further said his government has commenced latent actions to forestall any incident that may lead to mayhem or loss of lives.
“Part of the measures taken to address the menace was sensitising both host communities and the Fulani herdsmen, of the existing agreement that any party that destroys either the lives or property of the other will pay and also be prosecuted,” he said.
The governor noted that Anambra people are peace-loving people, who welcome visitors who are seeking wealth opportunities in the state. Obiano, however, warned that those who might want to take advantage of the people’s hospitality will be decisively dealt with.
Also, Bishop Ezeokafor has called on Southeastern governors to expose Igbo youths to mechanised system of rearing cattle by ranching, as a way to help restrict Fulani cattle herders’ encroachment in community farmlands in the area.
The bishop, who made the call while speaking to newsmen at the Blessed Iwene Tansi Catholic Parish, Ebenebe, Awka North Local Government, said there should be a revolution in the system of rearing cattle for livelihood. He explained that with population explosion and people maintaining improved method of living and feeding, meat production has become a lucrative business, hence, the need for the people and governments in the South East to cash in on it.
Meanwhile, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate in the forthcoming re-run of the Anambra Central Senatorial election, Chief Victor Umeh, yesterday resumed his campaign with a dramatic stomp in Ojoto, Idemili South Local Government Area and Nkpor in Idemili North respectively.
The rallies which attracted the who-is-who in the party, drew large crowd of enthusiastic supporters and excited electorate who are still savouring the historic victory recorded by APGA in the November 18, 2017 gubernatorial election in the state.
Speaking on the occasion, the Governor Obiano expressed gratitude to the people for turning out in their largest possible number to vote for him in the gubernatorial election and quickly reminded them that there was one more river left to cross.
“I want to remind you that we are standing with Ohamadike in the January 13, 2018 senatorial election and we must repeat our last performance this Saturday,” the governor declared, urging the people to turn out en-masse and vote for Chief Umeh in the re-run election.”