*** Accuses some part of the country of being insensitive to matters affecting the northern parts of Nigeria
*** Calls on federal and state government to develop policies to protect herdsmen from harassment
By Jennifer Y Omiloli
The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has reacted to the suspension of Ruga cattle settlemnt by the federal government.
The forum expressed its dissapointment at the situation leading to the suspension of the Ruga cattle settlement
Deputy convener of the forum, Ambassador Yahaya Kwande, while reacting to the controversy surrounding the Ruga settlement, said the forum has taken notice of the reactions that accompanied a statement given by Coalition of Northern Group after the Ruga suspension.
Kwande statements read in part: “The Northern Elders Forum has followed with keen interest the raging controversy since the federal government hinted at moves to introduce a certain Ruga scheme.
“NEF has taken note of the steps taken by the federal government as well as diverse positions adduced by groups and interests from the South and those from Northern Nigeria.
Read more: Ruga Ultimatum: We Will Hold Northern Governors Responsible – Ohanaeze
“In particular, NEF has taken note of the representations made at a press conference held by the Coalition of Northern Groups on the latest developments in the worrying failure to find solutions to the problems related to management of the livestock assets of Nigerians, particularly cattle of the Fulani.
“The forum has also taken due notice of the intense reactions which the statement by the coalition generated across the country.
“The leadership of the NEF has been contacted by a broad spectrum of interests and opinions to use its position to calm nerves and assist in the search for a practical and fair resolution of the situation.
“Interestingly, NEF has also received the decent and statesmanlike reaction of the Chairman of Northern Governors Forum, His Excellency Governor Samuel Bako Lalong of Plateau State in which he disclosed the forum’s move to reach out to stakeholders in the matter, including the Northern groups represented by CNG.”
Kwande said the NEF also acknowledged that the Northern Governors’ Forum Chairman has also made similar overture to its leadership and a meeting has been fixed for next week.
Meanwhile, daybreak.ng earlier reported that Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe stated that his administration will go ahead to implement the Ruga initiative.
