CAN'T WE RETURN TO THOSE GOOD OLD DAYS?

By Dr. Francis Ilenloa Igberaese

We used to look up to seeing the fulani herdsmen on our ways to the farms, because we would sing with them. They would give us birds, big ones or any of the animals they had killed during hurting. They too, looked toward to taking a break from the bush, and come to the villages and had time with us. We would tell them stories, they would drink our water and filled their cans with more water. They would have the privilege to taste out of our foods.

I can continue without stop and nothing would be exaggerated. If for anything, it is difficult to tell the full story of our relationship then. Our fathers sent them messages on one herb or the other they should get for them in the bush. They would bring a lot of medicinal herbs; mostly bitter, which our fathers would squeeze in a big bowl of water and made compulsory for all, including the Fulani, to drink  We were lucky to see them when working in the farms or in the rubber plantations. Although they hadn't the power, they participated in our activities and we offered them yams and maize. It was big fun having them in our farms

What has now happened? Those were the good old days when we were brothers; before the arrival of the Non-Nigerians in our midst. When can  our children sing again:

"Fulani our Hausa friend

Tell your melumelu not to pursue me

When coming back from Hausa land

Remember to bring us plenty milk

Add we will give give you garri".