A group, Northern Ethnic Group Assembly, NEYGA, has called on Ojo Ajanaku, the parallel leader of National Cashew Association of Nigeria, NCAN, to cease harassing cashew farmers in the North Central part of the country.
The group, in the statement signed by its spokesperson, Ibrahim Danmusa, on Saturday, commended the Cashew Stakeholders Association for informing Inspector General of Police, instead resulting into self help.
NEYGA also called on the Federal Government, the Inspector General of Police, the Comptroller General of the NSCDC, the Edo, Ogun and Lagos governments to take note of the situation.
According to the group, Mr Ajanaku’s actions contradict the right to freedom of assembly and association as stated in the Nigerian Constitution.
The NEYGA said that it is time for Mr Ajanaku to stop the harassment of cashew farmers and their vehicles.
“NEGA believes that membership in any organization should be voluntary, and forcing oneself onto others could lead to anarchy.
“Ajanaku’s activities are currently before a court of competent jurisdiction, and they called for a thorough investigation into his alleged criminal activities,” the statement read in part.
“Hon. Ojo Ajanaku, who has made himself a law just for registering a group called the National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN).
“While we acknowledge his right to register and own an association, NEYGA says the Cashew Stakeholders Association that is known to the law/constitution whose members pay taxes accordingly and contributing to the National development should be allow to operates without any further interference from NCAN.
“His continued harassment of our members contradicts Chapter 4, Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution as amended, which says, ‘Every person shall be entitled to assemble freely and associate with other persons, and in particular, he may form or belong to any political party, trade union, or any other association for the protection of his interests.’
“Allowing Ajanaku to block roads at will with armed thugs in the name of NCAN Taskforce is illegal. We all know that NCAN is unacceptable and calls for concern and questioning. His nefarious activity is before a court of competent jurisdiction.
“We, therefore, urge the public, relevant authorities, Ogun , Edo and lagos state and appropriate bodies to investigate the criminal activities of Hon. Ojo Ajanaku,” the statement added.
