Former President Muhammadu Buhari, Sunday night, expressed his intention to return to his hometown of Daura to attend to his personal affairs, including his livestock. However, his remarks comparing the ease of controlling animals to Nigerians sparked controversy and drew criticism from the public.
Speaking at the inauguration Dinner/Gala Night, organized by the Presidential Transition Council (PTC), at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, Buhari extended his gratitude to the dignitaries who graced the event, as well as Nigerians. But then added, “I’m looking forward to tomorrow to fly to my base and go back to my cows and sheep, which are much easier to control than fellow Nigerians.”
Human rights lawyer, Malcolm Omirhobo, voiced his displeasure on Twitter, describing Buhari's statement as disrespectful. He emphasized that Nigerians are not cows and expressed disappointment in having a leader who would make such a comparison.
He quoting a news article with the title "Buhari: My Cows Easier to Control Than Nigerians", he tweeted, "Very insulting. Nigerians are not cows unfortunately and regrettably they had a cow like you as their president."
The Fulani community, to which Buhari belongs, has a tradition of pastoralism, and Buhari himself has openly expressed his affection for his cattle.
In a past interview with Daily Sun, Bello Abdullahi Bodejo, the leader of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, explained that the Fulani people consider their cattle as part of their family, often valuing them more than humans.
"The Fulani man has an indescribable love for his cows, much like the love you have for your siblings," he said.
"They cannot be separated from their cows to reside in towns or cities. The cows have names, just as you name your children at birth. Even if a person owns a thousand cows, each cow has an individual name, and the owner knows them by name. The cows have lineages, just like human beings. The naming customs for people are applied to the naming of cows by the Fulani community."
Bodejo further explained that the Fulani people deeply care for their cows. Therefore, if a cow is harmed or killed, they seek justice to avenge what they perceive as an attack on their kin.