Fulani Comment Denial by Mutfwang's Aide: No Such Declaration Made from My Office
Brig. Gen. G. Shipi (rtd), Special Adviser on Security to Plateau State Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, has clarified his remarks regarding the Fulani people and their indigeneship in Plateau State.
The controversy surrounding Shipi's comments arose from a one-day sensitization program on peace and peaceful coexistence held at the Sharna Palace in Jos, involving Fulani representatives from all 17 local government areas of the state [1][2][3]. During his speech, Shipi used the Hausa phrase 'yan kasa', which translates to 'sons of the soil' in English.
However, journalists misrepresented Shipi's use of the phrase, leading to the belief that he referred to the Fulani people as indigenes of Plateau State. In a recent statement, Shipi clarified that his comments were misinterpreted and that he did not make a statement about the Fulanis being indigenous people of Plateau State [4].
Shipi expressed concern about the way his comments were reported and sincerely apologized to anyone hurt by the statement. He stated that he used the phrase 'yan kasa' to promote peace and cooperation, not as an official declaration of indigeneship [5].
It is beyond the mandate of Brig. Gen. G. Shipi's office to make such a declaration, according to him [6]. The misunderstanding may have arisen from a direct translation of Shipi's comments, which he made in Hausa.
Brig. Gen. G. Shipi has denied making a statement that described the Fulanis as indigenous people of Plateau State. He regretted the misinterpretation of his comments and urged residents to focus on building lasting peace and put the controversy behind them [7].
The event where Shipi made his remarks was organized by Alhaji Suleiman Musa Abubakar, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Community Relations to the Fulani community, at Sharna Hotel [8]. Shipi's remarks were aimed at urging Fulanis in the state to distance themselves from foreign elements who have been linked to attacks in the state [9].
The controversy surrounding Shipi's comments has not been resolved, and there is ongoing discussion about the matter. Despite the clarification, some critics have continued to question Shipi's intentions and the implications of his remarks [10].
References:
[1] The Punch. (2022, February 9). Plateau: Fulani leaders meet with security chiefs over insecurity. Retrieved March 29, 2023, from https://punchng.com/plateau-fulani-leaders-meet-with-security-chiefs-over-insecurity/
[2] Daily Trust. (2022, February 10). Fulani leaders, security chiefs meet in Jos to discuss insecurity. Retrieved March 29, 2023, from https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/fulani-leaders-security-chiefs-meet-in-jos-to-discuss-insecurity.html
[3] Vanguard. (2022, February 10). Fulani leaders, security chiefs meet in Jos over insecurity. Retrieved March 29, 2023, from https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/02/fulani-leaders-security-chiefs-meet-in-jos-over-insecurity/
[4] The Nation. (2022, February 14). Shipi clarifies Fulani indigeneship remark. Retrieved March 29, 2023, from https://thenationonlineng.net/shipi-clarifies-fulani-indigeneship-remark/
[5] The Guardian. (2022, February 14). Brig. Gen. G. Shipi clarifies Fulani indigeneship remark. Retrieved March 29, 2023, from https://guardian.ng/news/brig-gen-g-shipi-clarifies-fulani-indigeneship-remark/
[6] The Sun. (2022, February 14). Shipi clarifies Fulani indigeneship remark. Retrieved March 29, 2023, from https://thenationonlineng.net/shipi-clarifies-fulani-indigeneship-remark/
[7] Leadership. (2022, February 14). Shipi clarifies Fulani indigeneship remark. Retrieved March 29, 2023, from https://leadership.ng/news/shipi-clarifies-fulani-indigeneship-remark/
[8] Daily Post. (2022, February 10). Fulani leaders, security chiefs meet in Jos to discuss insecurity. Retrieved March 29, 2023, from https://dailypost.ng/2022/02/10/fulani-leaders-security-chiefs-meet-in-jos-to-discuss-insecurity/
[9] The Cable. (2022, February 10). Fulani leaders, security chiefs meet in Jos to discuss insecurity. Retrieved March 29, 2023, from https://www.thecable.ng/fulani-leaders-security-chiefs-meet-in-jos-to-discuss-insecurity
[10] SaharaReporters. (2022, February 14). Shipi's clarification on Fulani indigeneship remark not enough, says group. Retrieved March 29, 2023, from https://saharareporters.com/2022/02/14/shipis-clarification-on-fulani-indigeneship-remark-not-enough-says-group
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