Igbo quit notice: I have the support of my elders, Yerima replies Falana.

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?”