Following the ripples generated by the federal Government Proposal to build Hausa/Fulani herdsmen colony in various nooks and crannies of the federation, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Imo State, Sir Martin Ejiogu has enjoined Imo populace to vehemently reject the establishment of such colony in any part of the state.
Ejiogu who is the Vice chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stated this when speaking speaking to newsmen on the state of the nation as well as the preparation of his party ahead of 2019 general polls.
According to him “This is a dangerous trend because if you check the history of how the Fulanis invaded Nigeria and colonized some Northern States like Kano, Katsina, Maiduguri, Kwara and other states of the federation. The essence is to colonize entire Nigeria through Jihad. Nigeria must unequivocally condemn this policy if they want to achieve and sustain unity and peace within the nation”.
He took a swipe at the Imo State government for keeping sealed lips on a critical issue noting that it is a confirmation of Governor Rochas Okorocha alleged background and originality test as being alleged by his detractors.
Mr. Ejiogu alleged that “ Governor Okorocha is a hypocrite, who have confidence and trust in dealing with the Northerners more than his own kinsmen. He has sold lands to Dangote and many prominent Hausa/Fulani citizens than he has sold to his own Igbo kinsmen.”
He also lamented that “Unfortunately, we don’t know what they will use the lands for and therefore, Imo people and their lawmakers’ need to be extremely careful; it is pertinent they call a stakeholders meeting so as to proffer solution(s)’’ he advised.
Ejiogu pointed out that “Once the colonies are built and established, within the next 10 to 20 years considering the Hausa/Fulani likeness for reproduction, there will be population explosion, they will build mosques with loud speakers, have their own communal markets, demand their rights to vote and be voted for as Councillors or members of State Assembly among others.
“They will equally have their own traditional and religious leaders in the name of Emir and any attempt to resist any of their proposals will mean systematic Jihad invasion as it will be easier for them to mobilize their relations in other countries like Chad, Libya, Niger etc as well as other states of the federation while we are obviously limited by our population” he stated.
Ejiogu insisted that the proposal is dangerous noting that the Hausa/Fulani life styles are wide apart from Igbo ethnic nationality and further advised Ndi Igbo to be careful.
He assured that he is optimistic that if Governor Okorocha accepts the Federal Government proposal that Imo people no matter their party affiliation will vehemently reject such proposal.
“Yes, you noticed when it started in Benue State, the governor was adamant and when it escalated the Governor has no body to talk to.” he said
The issue he insisted is not about a political party but rather the distinct ancestral, cultural and traditional heritages of the people and therefore, Governor Okorocha must find ways to reject this wind that blows no good.