Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has condemned the recent unprovoked eviction order issued to northerners residing in Avavo, Delta State, as reported by the Hausa Service of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
NEF said the discriminatory action is unacceptable.
According to the BBC report, the eviction order fails to distinguish between northerners as a race and the criminal activities of a few individuals.
It said the eviction process disregards that most northerners are not Fulani, most Fulani are not cattle herders, and only some cattle herders in Nigeria are Fulani.
NEF averred that the BBC unfairly generalises that the crimes of some herdsmen extend to all cattle herders or northerners, stressing that such sweeping accusations ignore the reality that the vast majority of northerners, including those living outside the North, are peaceful individuals with similar needs, anxieties, and hopes as other Nigerians.
A statement issued by the forum‘s director of publicity and advocacy, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, said the NEF is alarmed by the erosion of the consciousness that for decades, different tribes in Nigeria have co-existed peacefully in various parts of the country without facing discriminatory laws that intimidate, harass, and endanger them, their families, properties, or trades.
“It is important to remind all Nigerians that the country‘s laws mandate that every Nigerian can live and earn a legitimate livelihood in any part of Nigeria without facing discrimination or molestation.
“The persistent unfair targeting and vilification of northerners in other regions of Nigeria saddens the NEF. Despite the North‘s renowned values of respect, integrity, and decency, its people repeatedly become scapegoats for the nation‘s issues, with narratives often distorted to paint them negatively.
“In the face of this relentless provocation and unjust treatment as minorities in parts of the South, however, the North has remained composed, patient, and committed to national unity and integration. A point comes when enough is enough; the North cannot stand idly by as the dignity and integrity of its people are continually threatened”.
The forum, according to the statement, will continue to advocate for the rights of northerners to be free from illegal harassment in their places of residence and work, adding that the commitment extends to their rights to worship, justice, and full protection as minorities in other Nigerian communities. „Northerners living and conducting lawful businesses in Delta State deserve respect and dignity, not baseless accusations and unwarranted attacks,“ it stressed.
„The NEF rejects any vilification based on ethnicity or religion and condemns those who perpetrate criminal acts, incite violence, and promote lawlessness. Targeting any ethnic or religious group is immoral, illegal, and violates our principles of decency. Such actions breach national and international laws, risking dire consequences, including genocide and ethnic cleansing,“ it added.
NEF urged all northerners living outside the North to exercise restraint and responsibility while firmly avoiding discrimination and injustice, adding that the North will not be silenced or intimidated, adding, „we will uphold our values and integrity even in adversity.“
The elders also called for an immediate review and reversal of the eviction order against northerners in Avavo and demanded an end to the unfair targeting and vilification of their people, saying it is time for all Nigerians to unite in peace and mutual respect, discarding divisions and discrimination based on ethnicity or religion.
„Meanwhile, we demand action from the federal government to ensure adequate security and safety for the northern communities targeted by this order. We urge all Nigerians to embrace peace, unity, and respect for one another. The Northern Elders Forum will continue to fight for justice and equality for all, ensuring that no group is subjected to unwarranted discrimination and abuse,“ it added.
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