Cattle colony: Miyetti Allah expresses shock over South East Governors’ decision

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria has expressed shock over the decision of the South East governors not to accept the creation of cattle colonies and grazing in the zone.
The position of the cattle breeders was stated on Wednesday by the leadership of MACBAN in the South East in a statement by its leader, Alhaji Gidado Siddiki.
Siddiki said the decision was surprising to them considering the cordial relationship that had existed in the zone between the group and the five state governments.
The South East Governors had on Sunday opposed the move by the Federal Government to acquire land across the country for the cattle rearers.
In a communique after their meeting in Enugu, read by the Chairman of the South East Governors’ Forum and Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, the move of the Federal Government was opposed.
But Siddiki said it was shocking that despite the fact that Miyetti Allah had never failed to appreciate the commitment of the host governors in ensuring their safety, they decision was taken.
He said: “It is evident that our organization’s advocacy for peaceful coexistence among indigenous farmers and herdsmen is increasingly making successes in the South East.
“This explains our surprise at the latest stand of the governors, which, if implemented, will not only frustrate our people from carrying out our legitimate livestock rearing business in this part of the country, but might be suggestive of a kind of suspicion that might undermine the mutuality of the claim of brotherhood.
“We are mindful of the various negotiations and consultations still going on in respect of the contentious issues of ranching, colonies and grazing areas across the country, we are hopeful that these issues are considered dispassionately in the interest of Nigeria and the generality of it’s citizens.
“We of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders of Nigeria, south east zone, consequent upon the existing understanding we enjoy with our hosts, and in response to the latest stand by the south east Governors forum, wish to reaffirm our confidence in the capacity of our host governors to encourage the growth of our legitimate trade in their geo political zone.
“It is a very trying period in the history of Nigeria and it is our candid view that the south east whose citizens are the major bonding elements among the people of Nigeria, would provide exemplary leadership in accommodating other Nigerians in their midst, in so far such persons are legitimately engaged in their economic pursuits.”