…Appeals to FG to dismantle NCAN illegal Taskforce on the high way.
The Northern Ethnic Group Assembly (NEYGA) has issued a plea to Hon. Ojo Ajanaku to halt his intimidation of cashew farmers in the North Central region, criticizing his attempts to impose his will on them. NEYGA applauded the Cashew Stakeholders Association for seeking legal recourse and notifying the Inspector General of Police, rather than resorting to vigilantism.
Moreover, NEYGA urges the attention of the federal government, the Inspector General of Police, the Comptroller General of the NSCDC, and the governments of Edo, Ogun, and Lagos states towards the issue, highlighting that Ajanaku’s behavior infringes on the constitutional rights to freedom of assembly and association.
In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Mr. Ibrahim Danmusa, on Saturday, NEYGA demands that Ajanaku cease his disruption of cashew farmers and their transport.
NEYGA asserts that Ajanaku’s and his group, the National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN), cannot mandate membership upon others, advocating for voluntary association to prevent chaos.
The statement underlines that Ajanaku’s conduct is already under legal scrutiny, calling for an in-depth investigation into his purported unlawful actions.
The statement partly states: “Hon. Ojo Ajanaku, who assumes authority by merely establishing a group known as the National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN), must recognize that the constitutionally recognized Cashew Stakeholders Association, whose members dutifully contribute to national progress through taxes, must operate unhindered by NCAN.
“His continuous pestering of our members is in direct violation of Chapter 4, Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which ensures every individual’s right to freely assemble and affiliate with others for the safeguarding of their interests.
“The act of Ajanaku, employing armed thugs to arbitrarily block roads under the guise of the NCAN Taskforce, is unlawful and alarming. The existence of NCAN itself raises significant concerns.
“As such, we call upon the general public, government authorities, and relevant organizations in Ogun, Edo, and Lagos states to delve into the illicit activities attributed to Hon. Ojo Ajanaku.”