Public outrage compels FG to suspend RUGA settlements programme

0
1127

Ime Akpan

The federal government, on Wednesday, succumbed to public resentment by suspending the controversial rural grazing area (RUGA) settlements programme.

The governor of Ebonyi State, Mr. Dave Umahi who announced this in Abuja said the action was taken following the inconsistency in the federal government’s National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP).

“We the national executive committee on farmers/ herders crisis under the chairmanship of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo met today to deliberate on the approved programme of national economic council (NEC) and federal government, tagged, ‘The National Livestock Transformation Programme’.

“We are aware that today that Mr. President has suspended the implementation of Ruga programme, initiated and being implemented by the federal ministry of agriculture and natural resources because it is not consistent with the NEC and federal government approved NLTP which has programmes of rehabilitation of displaced internally displaced persons, resulting from the crisis and also development of ranches in any willing state of the federation. The word is willing state of the federation.

“The NLTP, its beauty is that what the NEC and federal government approved is a voluntary programme to all the 36 states who may like to participate. So, it is not compulsory, it is for any state that is willing, will key into the programme.

“Any state that is interested in this programme is required to bring up a development plan that is keyed towards the implementation in line with our own programme here that is unique to his state based on the challenges that he has in respect of the crisis. That’s the decision of this committee,” he said.

Reacting to the development, the governor of Benue State, Dr. Samuel Ortom hailed the suspension describing it as “victory for all peace-loving Nigerians.”

Ortom who spoke through his chief press secretary, Mr. Terver Akase, said the rejection of the RUGA settlement plan was not personal but rather a struggle by Nigerians against impunity and injustice.

He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for knowing the truth and hearkening to the voices of majority of Nigerians on the matter.

The governor therefore urged the federal government to take a step further to encourage pastoralists and other livestock owners to embrace ranching as the best model of animal husbandry.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here