For years now Nigeria has been plagued by the unending violence perpetrated by the “Fulani” herdsmen’s battle with farmers for the right of their cattle to graze on private land. This has led to untold bloodshed occurring all over Nigeria to no end.
Our new minister of Agriculture seems to think that he now has the solution. He aims to take over large swathes of Southern Nigeria land and dedicate such land to Northern cattle rearers for grazing purposes. This is a ridiculous suggestion on many levels. Cattle rearing is a private business. Grazing ones cattle should properly be within the costs of business of the people that embark on that business venture. It is therefore up to cattle rearers to band together and purchase land needed for them to ply their trade and feed their cattle.
The federal government owns mineral deposits under the land and state governments own the land itself within its respective borders. The federal government has no power to take over private land in furtherance of an ethnic agenda or in order to sustain a business venture of a particular tribe.If indeed it is possible to plant grass for grazing purposes, then the Federal government should discuss this plan with Northern governments (which have more land in Nigeria per square foot and is the food basket in Nigeria due to its abundant supply of farming land). The South is more urban, industralized and has limited supply of grazing land.
NASS
The southern and North Central members of NASS would need to object to this policy. It is both ill-conceived and likely to give rise to more serious clashes south of the Niger.
State Governments
As advised previously, state governments should pass laws precluding the movement of cattle on roads within their states. If the Fulani cattle rearers wish to hire trucks to carry the cattle to and from the planned grazing places then best of luck to them.
Conclusion
For too long, Nigerian government officials fail to produce intelligent solutions to pressing problems. All they end up doing is exacerbating the problem to no end. Senators and House of Reps members have been sent to NASS for a reason. It is now more than ever that the people of the south and North central would need to speak with one voice in relation to a menace that affects all members and people of the South and North Central.
This is not a party issue and should not be viewed as such. It is an issue that negatively impacts on the rights, safety and heritage of the people of the middle belt and the south.