THE federal government has announced the suspension of the planned Ruga settlement project, according to Channels Television.
A source in the presidency revealed the government’s decision to suspend the programme, which has generated mixed reactions from Nigerians.
The presidency source also revealed that the Nigeria Governors’ Forum would be addressing the issue soon.
Many prominent Nigerians and ethnic groups have kicked against the project, saying that it will create more problems in the country.
Prof Wole Soyinka, Nobel laureate, had warned the federal government that “Ruga is going to be an explosion if not handled with care. But why do we not take our policies from good models? This is not the way people and countries deal with issues of cattle. I travel everywhere. It has to be handled in a way that is logical, comprehensible to the environment. When a cow walks up to the window of my house in Abeokuta, a house which is located in a residential area, then there’s a problem.
“When a cow goes to Ijebu Ode and eats up their seedlings and so on and you expect people to be quiet? People have been killed in hundreds just because of the failure of leadership at a critical time,” he said.
On its part, Ohanaeze Ndigbo accused President Muhammmadu Buhari of jettisoning the rule of law to favour his kinsmen. John Nnia Nwodo, president general, Ohanaeze, said the federal government’s violation of provisions of the Constitution on the administration of land in Nigeria, was a clear pointer to anarchy.
“The federal government’s total violation of valid laws made by Benue State Government in accordance with her inherent powers under our Constitution and its violations of extant court judgement on grazing and ranching is a clear pointer to anarchy.”
Likewise, the Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, said the federal government’s insistence on the implementation of the Ruga project was meant to elevate the Fulani above other ethnic groups in the country. Yinka Odumakin, spokesman, Afenifere, insisted that the government by its action was promoting ethnic hatred in the country.
“If there is anyone that is perpetrating ethnic hatred, it is the government. When you promote one ethnic group over the others, is that not ethnic hatred? I think Garba Shehu has been engaging in promotion of ethnic chauvinism aimed at elevating the Fulani. He has become the spokesman for the Fulani in Nigeria and the way he speaks using uncouth, foul language on people is unfortunate.”
Also, Bitrus Pogu, president, Middle Belt Forum, described the statement credited to the presidential spokesman as the height of insensitivity. He wondered why the Federal Government would want to seize land from states and allocate same to other people under the guise of Ruga.
However, the presidency issued a statement signed by Garba Shehu, senior special assistant to the President Muhammadu Buhari, on Media and Publicity on June 30, described the public outcry as “unhelpful comments regarding the plan to stop roaming of cattle herders with the attendant clashes with farmers.”
Garba said: “Ruga Settlement” that seeks to settle migrant pastoral families simply means rural settlement in which animal farmers, not just cattle herders, will be settled in an organized place with provision of necessary and adequate basic amenities such as schools, hospitals, road networks, vet clinics, markets and manufacturing entities that will process and add value to meats and animal products.
“Beneficiaries will include all persons in animal husbandry, not only Fulani herders.”
According to him, the federal government is planning this in order to curb open grazing of animals that continue to pose security threats to farmers and herders.
“The overall benefit to the nation includes a drastic reduction in conflicts between herders and farmers, a boost in animal protection complete with a value chain that will increase the quality and hygiene of livestock in terms of beef and milk production, increased quality of feeding and access to animal care and private sector participation in commercial pasture production by way of investments.
“Other gains are job creation, access to credit facilities, security for pastoral families and curtailment of cattle rustling.
“Stripped of the politics and howling that has attended the recent comments, there is no government plan to seize state land, colonize territory or impose Ruga on any part of the federation. Government has made it clear time and again that the programme is voluntary.
“So far, twelve states have applied to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, making lands available for the take-off of the scheme in their states. This number is sufficient for the pilot scheme.
“Unfortunately, some state governments that have not signified interest in the scheme and, therefore, are not on the invitation list have been misleading people that the Federal Government is embarking on a scheme to take away their lands.
“Mostly, these are state leaders that have no explanation to offer their people for continued non-payment of workers’ salaries. It is true that government at the centre has gazetted lands in all states of the federation but because the idea is not to force this programme on anyone, the government has limited the take-off to the dozen states with valid requests.”
He said: “We urge states to join the Federal Government at the centre in encouraging all sides to these conflicts to make efforts towards finding a peaceful resolution. As we seek a permanent solution to these unwanted conflicts, efforts must be made to ensure that no innocent person faces any kind of deprivation or loss of right and freedom under our laws.”
