The leader of the Arewa Consultative Youth Forum, Shettima Yerima, on Friday said his statements and actions are all part of defending the North against Nnamdi Kanu and his pro-secessionists.
Yerima, a co-convener of the Coalition of Northern Group that issued a three-month ultimatum for Igbos to leave the region, said the North has to protect itself against the insult and blackmail of the IPOB leader.
He made this disclosure while speaking to The punch.
Responding to claims by human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN) saying he, should not be taken seriously because he resides in Lagos, Yerima said the egal luminary is looking for cheap popularity.
He said “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.”
Yerima went on to task Falana on channeling his energy to finsing a reply to the insults directed at Yorubas by Nnamdi Kanu and not dwell on the ultimatum, whcih is said is not a threat.
“Does he consider Nnamdi Kanu a foreigner – someone who has lived for many years abroad?” he asked.
