By Our Reporter
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) says it is not against the ban on open grazing of cattle in Southern part of the country.
The South-East Zonal Chairman of MACBAN, Alhaji Gidado Siddiki disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Enugu.
Siddiki said that the governors of Southern Nigeria may have taken the decision due to the exigencies of the time, adding that no one should vilify them.
Recall that governors of states in Southern Nigeria had a forth night ago announced a ban on open grazing of cattle in the area.
Siddiki, however, requested that a middle course be negotiated to avoid the abrupt stop of open grazing preparatory to the commencement of better and modern methods of cattle rearing.
The MACBAN chairman said that such move would douse the tension so far generated by the decision across the country.
“I, sincerely, do not think anybody or group should be quick in rising to condemn the political heads of the South in this decision.
“I rather think that the political leaders of the North, particularly those of them who are of Fulani stock or who understand the dynamics of livestock rearing, should put heads together and constructively engage their colleagues in the South for the good of all.
The growing suggestions for improved and more modern mode of livestock keeping could be well taken, but a middle course needs be quickly negotiated as an interim position to avoid such abrupt stop that the governors seem to be demanding now,” he said.
Siddiki said that it was the responsibility of government to maintain law and order, adding that MACBAN had always urged statutory security agencies not to shirk from such responsibilities.
“The herders due to the nature of cattle rearing are more on transit and are equally exposed to the wanton camp infiltration by often migrant fellows who are criminally minded.
“These infiltrators do not spare the law abiding herders and for their lawless acts, the entire herders, unfortunately, suffer odium.
“However, no singular group ought to be blamed for the failure of a system to protect and preserve the essence of its being,” he said.
He said that the law abiding herders had for years lived harmoniously with members of their host communities in parts of the country.
“However, the awry activities of some migrant herders have recently provoked unhealthy suspicion against people that have for ages enjoyed the warmth of their neighbourhood.
“There is, therefore, need for a functional engagement to deconstruct the growing hate narrative against our people” he said.
Siddiki said that the country seemed to be in one of its most trying moments in terms of insecurity and mutual suspicion.
“However, this period demands the highest level of sincerity, justice and selfless commitment to the oneness of Nigeria.
“It is a time that requires purposeful leadership in order to survive the rough challenges,” Siddiki said.
