Group tells FG to dismantle illegal taskforce harassing cashew farmers on highway

Following the frequent harassment of cashew farmers in guise of “stop and search”, by an illegal taskforce headed by one, Ojo Ajanaku, a Northern Ethnic Group Assembly (NEGA) has called on the Federal Government to dismantle the taskforce with immediate effect.

The group said, Ojo Ajanaku should cease harassing cashew farmers in the North Central part of the country, stating that he cannot force himself on them, while commending the Cashew Stakeholders Association for approaching the Court of competent jurisdiction also praise the stakeholders for informing Inspector General of Police instead resorting to self–help.

NEGA also calls on the federal government, the Inspector General of Police, the Comptroller General of the NSCDC, the Edo State government, the Ogun State government, and the Lagos State government to take note of the situation, as Ajanaku’s actions contradict the right to freedom of assembly and association as stated in the Nigerian Constitution.

NEGA in the statement signed by its spokesperson, Mr. Ibrahim Danmusa on Saturday, said it is time for Ajanaku to stop the harassment of cashew farmers and their vehicles.

According to NEGA, Ajanaku cannot force himself and his organization, the National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN), on them. NEGA believes that membership in any organization should be voluntary, and forcing oneself onto others could lead to anarchy.

NEGA noted that 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 reads 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, NEGA 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.”