The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II and the national president of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN), Alhaji Muhammadu Kiruwa, have expressed support for the anti-open grazing law enacted by Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose.
The duo made their support known at a stakeholder’s meeting organised by Fayose at the Government House, Ado Ekiti on Monday to find amicable solution to the brewing farmers/herdsmen clashes in the state.
The Emir, who is a patron of Miyetti Allah, was represented at the meeting by the Saudana of Kano and former governor, Ibrahim Shakarau.
Speaking about the grazing law, he said: “My mission is not politics and it is about peace and peaceful co – existence of our nation. I am standing in here for the Emir and I am the Sardauna of Kano. The Emir mandated me to come over here with the leadership of MACBAN and find out how we can work amicably.
“He feels that as a patron of the group he must ensure peace and lauded Governor Fayose for promoting peace.
“ The law that Governor Fayose enacted is the best to defend the rights of farmers and cattle breeders . Whoever crosses the red line should be dealt with as the law provides . Breeders should obey the rules of the communities where they reside.”
The grazing law frowns on grazing of cattle from 6pm to 6am.
He added, “We have lived together for centuries, we have no cause at this time when unity is much desired, to end up in crisis. It is nothing new that grazing from sunset to dawn is forbidden. Our cattle rearers know this very well. This must be observed . Anyone who crosses the line must face the law.
“Criminal elements must be brought to book as there are criminals taking cover under certain ethnic groups to perpetrate crimes. This is unacceptable and won ’ t be tolerated.
“We will never want to be associated with any crisis or an association that is not for peace. For anyone who breaches the peace, we will be at the forefront to ensure that the law takes its course.”
The National President of Miyetti Allah, Muhammadu Kiruwa, commended the governor for organising the meeting, saying it would go a long way in providing solutions to the crisis.
He said, “I am really impressed with the governor for organising this meeting. Some state governors would just sit in their offices and not be proactive like Governor Fayose . Some misconceptions that I personally had against the governor have been cleared now.
“I can say it categorically that Governor Ayodele Fayose is a true leader of his people. He is definitely a lover of all groups including the Fulani people. I can say he is the Sarkin Fulani of Ekiti State . He is a peaceful leader and represents hope for all. We align ourselves with the grazing law as made by the Ekiti State Government because it protects the interest of all parties.”
The meeting was attended by various stakeholders, including the heads of security and law enforcement agencies, hunters, members of MACBAN, farmers, vigilantes and grazing enforcement marshals.
Earlier, the governor had announced an amnesty for four unidentified herdsmen who had allegedly been terrorising the state, adding that he would extend the amnesty to any herdsman who willingly surrenders his weapons.