The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II, has said that Fulani were not terrorists or criminals as perceived in some quarters, explaining that they were тАЬlaw-abiding Nigerians who respect constituted authorities.тАЭ
He stated this at the weekend in Minna at a National Executive Council meeting of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN).
The meeting was attended by leadership of various Fulani socio-cultural groups such as Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBA), Miyetti Allah Katul Houre and Gan Allah Fulani Development Association to find ways of ending the recurring violent clashes involving and other Nigerians across the country.
Sanusi urged herders to imbibe the culture of patient and perseverance even in the face of provocation, adding that patience тАЬis strength rather than weakness.тАЭ
He, however, charged them on unity and keeping records with facts which they were known for.
He said the Inspector-General of Police had been directed to clampdown on anybody who possessed illegal arms and prevailed on state governments not to arm militias.
The emir urged the various Fulani associations to identify criminals in their midst for prosecution, while also appealing to Nigerians, especially the media, to avoid ethnic inciting against another.
Sanusi urged stakeholders to also liaise with the governors of Niger, Kogi, Nasarawa and Kano states, which had indicated interest to allocate grazing reserves, with a view to developing them, adding that Niger and Kogi states had allocated 30,000 and 15,000 hectares, respectively, for grazing reserve for herdsmen.
Leaders of various associations in their separate presentations agreed to take the message of peace to their members, saying they would abide by whatever resolutions taken between the stakeholders and the federal government in the interest of peace and unity.
