By Akanji Alowolodu, Bauchi
Controversial National leader of Fulani socio-cultural organization, Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Alhaji Bello Abdullahi Badejo has been warned to steer clear of the Bauchi State chapter of the association considering his antics of divide and rule which is causing disharmony within the chapter.
They argued that their National Chairman, Alhaji Bello Abdullahi Badejo has being using his closeness to the Governor of Bauchi state as a tool to disunite the Fulani in Bauchi state.
The warning was issued by the Heads of Fulani Hamlets popularly referred to as Ardos in Bauchi South Senatorial District who vehemently rejected the leadership styles of the National Chairman, Alhaji Bello Badejo for what they described as disuniting Fulani associations, attributable to his connection with Governor Bala Mohammed of the state.
The Ardos, after their zonal meeting held in Bauchi on Saturday accused the national leadership under Bello Badejo of politicizing the Fulani associations thereby causing disunity among the Fulani groups which, they argued, would not augur well for the socio-economic and political development of the Fulani not in the area alone but in the country as a whole.
The resolutions of the Ardos meeting which were contained a letter has been forwarded to Bauchi State Governor, Sen Bala Mohammed copying the AIG, Nigeria Police Force, Zone 12, Bauchi; Director of State Security Services, Bauchi and Commissioner of Police in Bauchi state.
The letter which was signed by 12 Ardos and made available to Journalists on Saturday highlighted some of the resolutions that included their resolve to checkmate activities of Fulani/Herders in the state through the formation of committees across the Bauchi South Senatorial zone.
The Ardos bitterly complained about what they alleged as consistent and persistent arrest, extortion of funds from their members by some security agents who use their offices /positions to commit such illegal activities.
The Ardos Forum in Bauchi South Zone therefore resolved to henceforth report such security officers to their superiors for appropriate disciplinary action.
On the politicization of Fulani associations, the Ardos appreciated and acknowledged the amalgamation of Fulani associations with a pledge to work hand-in-hand with leaders for the smooth running and administration of Fulani associations in Bauchi state.
The Ardos submitted that, “On this note, we wish to draw the attention of the Executive Governor of Bauchi State that we recognize Alh. Bello Badejo as your close confident and should be treated as such. His activities have constituted serious setbacks to the Fulani/Herders in Bauchi state”.
They however assured the Governor of their continued support and loyalty to his administration while acknowledging the positive development he has so far achieved in the state, saying however that all Fulani nomads in Bauchi state have elected Sadiq Ibrahim Ahmed to lead them against the ill-motive of the national executives.
The Ardos similarly appreciated the appointment of a White Paper Committee to implement recommendations made on farmers/herders clashes, with their representation by the Chairman of Joint Forum of Fulani Associations, Sadiq Ibrahim Ahmed.
According to the Ardos, “We all agreed that Sadiq Ibrahim Ahmed have the capacity, knowledge, experience and exposure to participate in the interest of Fulani, otherwise any other person excluding the above mentioned, is not in the interest of the Fulani,”.
