The Bauchi State Chapter of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders’ Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), has directed its members to vacate the 17 southern states, especially where governors have decided to ban open grazing.
Recall that after individual attempts to address menace of open grazing in Southern states, the Forum of Southern Governors on 11th of May 2021, unanimously agreed to ban open grazing in all the 17 Southern states.
MACBAN Chairman, Sadiq Ibrahim Ahmed, said: “This is a simple calculation. We are heading for secession. The rulers are no longer interested in the people. If some people are banned from open grazing, there is nothing more. Fulani people should move out from there. It is very simple.
“Must we transport the cattle there? I have said it before. We have an option of breeding our cattle here (North). We are peace lovers. Let them come and buy from us. It is some people’s fault.
“Criminality started in the South. Armed robbery, kidnapping. all started in the South. We have been watching these on television. And if these are being transited to the North, and you know we have a government that is not protecting the Constitution of the nation. Everyone takes laws into his hands.
“The Southern governors can do that. There is no problem, let them do what they want. If the Northern governors feel like, they can also do it too (banning open grazing)…”
Meanwhile, Sadiq charged southern governors to pay more attention to criminal groups in the South and leave Fulani herders alone.
He further said: “The President is there as a figurehead. He doesn’t know what he’s doing. He is not controlling anybody. In our country now, everyone does what he feels like. The country is already moving apart. Where is the central government, if some governors can meet and take decisions that are against the Constitution…?”
Sadiq said the solution to Nigeria’s security challenge is for the “President to step aside or for Nigerians to put heads together and elect a credible president in 2023, a leader with focus and competence. Nigeria should get a leader with a good example, who is ready to sacrifice his life for his subjects.”
The Southern Governors not erred with this decision. It is in the interest of national security. Myetti Allah should not see this as a secessionist move on the part of the South. It is better for regions and states to be adequately protected for peace than for different groups to be allowed to mingle and portend a serious threat or danger to our continued existence.
I also praise the courage and understanding of the group (MACBAN) to call for the return of herders back to the North as this will in one way or the other quell the tension that that has generated across the Country. God keep us together in Love.