Stop Harassing Cashew Farmers In North-Central, NEYGA Warns Ajanaku

A group, Northern Ethnic Group Assembly (NEYGA) has called on one Hon. Ojo Ajanaku to stop his alleged harassment of cashew farmers in the North-Central part of the country, stating that he cannot force himself on them.

This is even as the group commended the Cashew Stakeholders Association for approaching a court of competent jurisdiction on the matter and for informing the Inspector-General of Police instead resorting to self-help.

NEYGA also called on the federal government, the Inspector General of Police, the Commander-General of the NSCDC, the Edo State government, the Ogun State government, and the Lagos State government to take note of the situation, as Ajanaku’s actions contradict the right to freedom of assembly and association as stated in the Nigerian Constitution.

NEYGA, in the statement signed by its spokesperson, Mr. Ibrahim Danmusa, on Saturday, said it was time for Ajanaku to stop the alleged harassment of cashew farmers and their vehicles on the highways.

According to NEGA, Ajanaku cannot force himself and his organization, the National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN) on them, saying that membership of any organisation should be voluntary, and forcing oneself onto others could lead to anarchy.

NEYGA noted that Ajanaku’s activities are currently before a court of competent jurisdiction, calling for a thorough investigation into his alleged criminal activities.

The statement read in part: “Hon. Ojo Ajanaku, who has made himself a law just for registering a group called the National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN). While we acknowledge his right to register and own an association, NEYGA says the Cashew Stakeholders Association that is known to the law/constitution whose members pay taxes accordingly and contributing to the national development should be allowed to operate without any further interference from NCAN.

“His continued harassment of our members contradicts Chapter 4, Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution as amended, which says, ‘Every person shall be entitled to assemble freely and associate with other persons, and in particular, he may form or belong to any political party, trade union, or any other association for the protection of his interests.’

“Allowing Ajanaku to block roads at will with armed thugs in the name of NCAN Taskforce is illegal. We all know that NCAN is unacceptable and calls for concern and questioning. His nefarious activity is before a court of competent jurisdiction.

“We, therefore, urge the public, relevant authorities, Ogun, Edo and Lagos State and appropriate bodies to investigate the criminal activities of Hon. Ojo Ajanaku.”