Following the controversial remarks by Bauchi governor Bala Mohammed on the raging herdsmen-farmers’ crisis, the House of Representatives, on Tuesday, cautioned public officials against statements, actions and policies that can cause unrest in the country.

The call was a sequel to the unanimous adoption of a motion by Rep. Dachung Bagos (PDP-Plateau) at the plenary.

Moving the motion, Mr. Bagos said inflammatory or divisive statements and actions are capable of provoking aggressive reactions.

He recalled that on February 13, Mr. Mohammed made a statement, which is reported to have justified the illegal bearing of firearms by Fulani herdsmen.

The statement, he said, has caused national outrage.

According to him, the constitution does not grant any individual or group of people the right to bear sophisticated arms but only a specified shooting range licensed by the Inspector General of Police (IG).

“Even if the IG were to grant licenses, the IG’s power cannot contravene the provisions of Chapter F28 LFN 004 Fire Arms Act which classifies the arms (AK47) carried by Fulani herdsmen, as ascribed by the Bauchi State Governor, as illegal and prohibited.

“The inflammatory and divisive statement by the governor will lead to the erroneous belief that the government supports the perpetrated crimes of carrying prohibited firearms.

“The situation can easily lead to armed conflict as other groups such as farmers and defenceless citizens will consider it as a threat to their safety and opt to arm themselves with AK47.

“If all public officials, regardless of their position or status, are not cautioned against inciting or provoking the general public, the already tense situation in the country will lead to open hostilities,’’ Mr. Bagos said.

The House resolved that the leadership should interface with Nigerian Governors Forum as most of these inflammatory and divisive statements are coming from the governors.

Earlier, the Speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila in his opening remarks, said that he spoke about the rising spate of insecurity and conflict across the country.

Mr. Gbajabiamila said that the explosion of violence that led to citizens’ death and loss of property in Oyo State was a manifestation of past warning.

He commiserated with the Oyo State Government and families of those who lost their lives in the unfortunate incident.

(NAN)