Daily Justice

Abuja, 17 April 2025 – Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South, has delivered a scathing critique of the Nigerian government, accusing it of double standards in its approach to ethnic groups’ involvement in national security and its handling of violent crimes by Fulani herdsmen.

In a televised statement on the programme State of the Nation, Senator Abaribe asserted, “You cannot criminalise a people and also want them to join your army.” He further lambasted the government for its failure to address violence perpetrated by Fulani herdsmen, observing that the authorities have “refused to criminalise Fulani herdsmen terrorists carrying AK-47s and killing people in Nigeria.” The senator’s remarks highlight a perceived inconsistency in how the state deals with different groups, pointing to what he sees as a lack of accountability for the herdsmen’s actions, which have been linked to widespread insecurity across the country.

Abaribe, a veteran lawmaker with the Peoples Democratic Party and a member of the Nigerian Senate since 2007, has long been a vocal advocate for fairness and justice in national affairs. His comments come amid ongoing debates about ethnic representation in Nigeria’s armed forces and the government’s response to security challenges, particularly in regions affected by herdsmen-farmer conflicts.

The broadcast, which aired on 17 April, has ignited heated discussions on social media, with many Nigerians reflecting on the senator’s accusations of governmental bias. As the nation grapples with issues of unity and security, Abaribe’s statements are likely to intensify calls for a more equitable approach to addressing violence and ethnic inclusion in Nigeria’s institutions.