The Co-Convener of the Coalition of
Northern Groups and leader of Arewa Consultative Youth Forum, Shettima
Yerima, has accused human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, of living in
the past, following the latter’s statement implying that the former
should not be taken seriously.
Falana had on Thursday at a news conference in Abuja described Yerima as a “Lagos man.”
“The man who gave quit notice (to Igbo
living in the North) does not live in the North. He lives in Lagos. I am
saying this: Shettima Yerima lives in Lagos. He is a Lagos man. So, to
live in Lagos and be giving quit notice is not the answer,” he had said.
Reacting to the human rights lawyer’s statement on Friday night, Yerima told SUNDAY PUNCH that Falana was only seeking cheap publicity.
“The Shettima Falana knows in Lagos is
not the same person in the North. I challenge him to come to Kaduna and
ask about who I am. And I challenge him to go to Ekiti to contest a
local government seat. I am for and with the North. I am not a coward. I
am protecting the interests of my people and I get support from my
elders. Falana is living in the past. I spend more time in the North
than in Lagos.
“And, when did it become a crime that a
northerner cannot issue a statement in the North though he stays in
Lagos? I am a Nigerian. Shouldn’t Falana be castigating the man who said
he hates Nigerians and doesn’t want his people to remain a part of
Nigeria? I am in touch with my people. I have followers; does Falana
have supporters? How many times has he contested elections in Ekiti
State and lost? Despite his level of intelligence he hasn’t won an
election in his state. Leading your people is not about propaganda and
noise-making; it is about facing reality.”
The activist added that he had the
support of northern elders in issuing a quit notice to the Igbo living
in the North, noting that it is not a threat.
Urging Falana to focus more on the main
issue, Yerima said, “As I speak to you now I am in Kaduna. Is there a
law that says being a Nigerian I cannot do so? While he’s busy pursuing
personal interests, I am defending my people against the insults and
blackmail of one Igbo called Nnamdi Kanu and his co-travellers. What has
Falana done about the insults IPOB heaped on the Yoruba? He is seeking
cheap publicity.
“I challenge him to come and see how I
am living as a king in Kaduna – I am being celebrated. I am here to
defend the integrity of my people. Does he consider Nnamdi Kanu a
foreigner – someone who has lived for many years abroad? I have my roots
in Zaria and I go home regularly. When last did Falana visit his home
in Ekiti?