They Are Nigerians and this is Not the Time to Segregate, Zamfara Governor Replies Osun

Zamfara state Governor, Bello Matawalle has said comments by his Osun state counterpart, Gboyega Oyetola through his Chief of staff over the alleged influx of Zamfara state indigenes in the state were not statemanly and in bad state.

Matawalle in a statement on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Public Enlightenment, Media and Communications, Zailani Bappa, said the world and the country are currently facing the coronavirus pandemic and this is not the time to segregate against one another.

“The attention of Zamfara State government is drawn to a story credited to the Deputy Chief of Staff to the governor of Osun State, Prince Adeyanju Abdullahi Biniyo, where he alleged “an influx of Zamfara indigenes” into the state and described it as “dangerous”.

“Describing the entrants as total strangers as if they are not Nigerians, Mr Biniyo is quoted to have said “They are received by their fellow Northerners who are already resident in the state.

“The report further quoted Mr Biniyo as describing the alleged Zamfara indigenes as having “snuck” into their state and will be fished out and deported to their state of origin by Amotekun.

“Mr Biniyo also allegedly said, “this portends great danger especially at a time like this when Osun is doing everything to avoid community transmission of COVID-19.

“As if the entrants brought in war, he also called on the Osun indigenes “not to panic” as the state has instructed Amotekun to fish them out and ensure that anyone escorted off trucks that offload goods is turned back and escorted out of the state.

“Doubtlessly, the above position as portrayed by the Deputy Chief of Staff is not statesmanly and smacks of bad taste. Indeed, it is condescending and totally negates good practices expected of leaders in a Federal setting such as Nigeria.

“Nigeria and the World at large is facing a serious and challenging pandemic. All civilised societies are joining hands together to fight the spread of this pandemic and even extending helping hands to others. It is, therefore, disheartening that Osun State will isolate assumed outsiders and segregating what should be a common fight by all Nigerians” the statement said.