The International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety), a non-profit organization dedicated to human rights and democracy advocacy through research and investigation, has accused South-East governors of proceeding with the establishment of Fulani herdsmen settlements across the region.
In a statement provided to DAILY POST on Monday, Intersociety alleged that many of these governors had their elections manipulated and were now executing the agenda of influential figures.
The statement, signed by Emeka Umeagbalasi, Chair of the Board; Chinwe Umeche, Head of Democracy and Good Governance Program; Obianuju Igboeli, Head of Civil Liberties and Rule of Law; Ndidiamaka Bernard, Head of International Justice and Human Rights; Ositadinma Agu, Head of International Contacts and Mobilization; and Chidinma Udegbunam, Head of Campaign and Publicity, warned of dire consequences if South-East lands were handed over to herdsmen.
Intersociety cautioned that the actions of the governors could potentially transform the South-East into a region prone to jihadist violence similar to Benue, Plateau, and Southern Kaduna. Despite previous warnings, evidence suggests a looming threat to the security and safety of the South-East and its inhabitants, particularly regarding freedom of religion, particularly Christianity.
The organization accused the governors of facilitating the influx of Fulani jihadists and their allies into the region, armed with illegal weapons and enjoying impunity. It suggested that the governors’ actions were motivated by their desire to maintain power, even at the cost of compromising the security and religious identity of their constituents.
Intersociety highlighted a statement by the National Leadership of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria as evidence of the governors’ complicity in ceding lands to herdsmen. It noted that communal lands, forests, and farmlands in indigenous Igbo areas had been invaded and seized by Fulani herdsmen, armed with illicit firearms.
Furthermore, the organization criticized the biased stance of the Anambra State Government and accused the Enugu State Government of coercing communities to surrender their lands for Fulani settlements.
Intersociety alleged that the Enugu State Government had issued veiled directives to communities, such as Elugwu-Akwu, to hand over their lands for settlement, demonstrating a disregard for the welfare and interests of their citizens.