Still on Ruga And It’s Controversies
For many weeks now, the debate in the Nigerian space has been centred on the plan of the Nigerian Federal Government to cede land for cattle rearing.
According to the federal government , this move is in a bid to stop the perenial clash between Farmers and Herders which has led to the loss of so many lives.
The plan would mean in all of the thirty-six states, a Ruga settlement will be set-up.
This move has however exposed the fragility of the Nigerian society with many states kicking against this intention.
Southern States especially have not hidden their non-support.
A quick history at Nigerian history will show that the country was amalgamated in the year 1914, each region particularly has it’s own history so it is not surprising that this singular incident is playing out.
For many parts of the country, the pride in culture, land ownership is one aspect that they do not joke with.
We have had many instances of people from same region in Nigeria killing due to land conflicts, the Federal government I believe should have expected this kind of reaction from a society that lives on history and culture.
The perenial killing in clashes between Herdsmen and farmers boils down to conflict on land. To build a community in States of different origin and history for cattle rearers may not be the best move by the federal government.
Nigeria is a multi-ethnic group and solving a problem by creating another cannot be a way out.
The Federal government should have thought of the goodwill herdsmen have already. The same people that many have Accused of killing thousands?
The government I believe would have had other options away from Ruga before choosing Ruga.
There is no way there won’t be suspicion from people about a sinister move, the land given would not be for a while but would be forever, the thought naturally would mean there would be cattle herdmen, mostly Fulani in all parts of the country. This would create issues. You do not solve an issue by telling people to give their land for another tribe.
There was a National Livestock management plan which was spearheaded by Vice President , Yemi Osinbanjo, what happened to the plan?
The President should have understood that being a Fulani man, many Nigerians will see this move as favoritism.
The respect for regional history should have come to play here, the respect for the multi-ethnic history should also have come to play.
The Ooni of Ife, Enitan Ogunwusi and Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka recently asked Nigerians to defend their land, many other kings will still do same if care is not taken.
I would join other Nigerians to call on the federal government to not just suspend the scheme but cancel it for sake of peace and respect for societal heritage.
The government is meant to promote peace and not to encourage discord which is what we currently have should Ruga continue.
Aroghalu Chidozie Law
Writes from Abuja
Chidozie.law@live.com
