The statement by Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State, suggesting farmers also carry AK-47 rifles for protection in their farms, has caused outrage in the State, with the State's People’s Democratic Party (PDP), calling him, a disgrace for making such reckless assertion.
The party, in a statement signed by the state spokesman John Akans, said the Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum should not compare the evil perpetrated by violent herdsmen who move about freely with AK-47s, with poor and innocent farmers who are at the mercy of the militant herders.
"This is a clear indication that with this continuous shameful outpouring and vituperations, our supposed dear Governor has lost his conscience and we believe his attitude is pointing to the known fact that the APC led administration in the state is not only insensitive to the plight of the people but they are out to destroy the heritage of Plateau, that’s why Mr. Lalong keeps disgracing himself thinking he is serving his master(s) diligently,’ the statement said.
"It is very unfortunate that Plateau never got it this bad before, this is really sad for this great land, we are loosing our youths, women and children as a result of bandits/herdsmen attack, yet our Governor is still singing praises on the graves of the victims of gruesome murder, siege and land grabbing."
The PDP called on Governor Lalong to tender his resignation, saying he is not competent to remain as Governor of Plateau State.
"It is sad and horrible to experience another statement from our accidental Governor of Plateau State Barr. Simon Bako Lalong, on Channels TV “Sunrise Daily” 23/02 /2021 where the Chairman of Northern Governors Forum labeled our hardworking farmers as gun wielding people.
"As a political party that is people centred we find this statement self-serving, derogatory, unpatriotic, misleading, malicious, satanic and not only a big lie but aiming at causing more disaffection to already fragile relationship between farmers and herders.
"It is obvious that Governor Lalong has abandoned the herculean task of governance to making unguarded statements, as one that suffers verbal diarrhea, his statements are always anti people."