National News
Herders Association Demands for Enforcement of Presidential Directive on Grazing Reserves, Cattle Routes
Herders Association Demands for Enforcement of Presidential Directive on Grazing Reserves, Cattle Routes
By: Michael Mike
One of the prominent herders associations in the country, Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has called for the enforcement of President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive on encroached grazing reserves and cattle routes.
At the peak of the crisis between herders and farmers on invasion of cattle on farmlands, the President has said he was going to ensure that identify grading reserves and cattle routes are going to be recovered.
A statement on Tuesday by the National President of KACRAN, Hon Khalil Bello, appealed to the Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami to enforce the President’s directive on recovery of encroached grazing reserves and cattle routes.
The statement read: “Nigerians may recall the widely publicized directive of President Muhammad Buhari to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Hon Abubakar Malami SAN to in the interest of peace and unity in the country take all necessary measures to reclaim the entire encroached grazing reserves and cattle routes especially in the northern part.”
Bello lamented that: “For nearly a year after the directive, no action has unfortunately been taken by the Office of the Honourable Attorney General to enforce the President’s directive.”
He said: “We, the members of Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) with all sincerity of purpose wish to passionately appeal to the Office of the nation’s Attorney General to as a matter of utmost urgency to execute the directive towards the achievement of durable peace and sustainable development.”
He added that; “Our appeal is based on the following genuine reasons: For Mr. President to be seen true to his words and a genuinely committed leader to issues and peace, national reconstruction and socioeconomic advancement;
“The farmers who due to their selfish interest and total negligence to our national security would reason to desist from what will jeopardize our national bond;
“The rains are almost here and there would be need to avert further violent conflicts.”
Bello said: “There is need that all gazetted grazing reserves and cattle routes are liberated from encroachment by sedentary farmers who forcefully convert these cattle routes and grazing reserves into farmlands causing additional insecurity problem in the country by bringing direct collision between sedentary farmers and herders.
“The encroached grazing reserves and routes are legal and constitutionally owned by herders and the President’s directive for their reclaiming hence farmers may plant their crops in the area under discussion and induce direct herders and farmers clash.”
He lamented that; “Even now, the Northern part of this Country is sadly faced with serious issue of insecurity which is mainly centered around the ongoing mistrust between our beloved Farmers and Herders.”
He insisted that: “The enforcement of the said historic and very important order will reduce, if not completely end the wanton clashes between Cattle Rearer and Farmers that is mainly caused by the Farmers accusation that Herders destroy their farms while the Herders on their side are blaming Farmers for encraoching into their grazing reserves or totally blocked their cattle routes illegally and converted them into their personal farms.
“There is no doubt we of KACRAN strongly believe that, reclaiming our encroached grazing reserves and reviving them through provision of water points and animals pasture will end most of the problem we are facing now.”
Bello said: “As law abiding Nigerians we bound to respect our constituted authorities and we humbly pledge our commitment in search of solution(s) to peaceful coexistence.
“We strongly believe that the implementation of the directive will bring about lasting solution to the lingering problem between herders and farmers.”
He however said: “Non implementation of this presidential order will set a bad precedence that President’s directive can be ignored or thrown away and nothing will happen to punish those who clearly demonstrated the act of insubordination.
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“Once we want to abundantly clearly state that, if the president’s order will be allowed to die naturally who’s order will be carryout or executed in the country, and are we God forbid, not moving towards anarchism and lawlessness?”
He said: “Enforcing the order will stop our herders from unnecessary movement to the southern part of the country so as not to unnecessary be heating up the polity.
“Execution of this order will give due honour to our President and make herders repose confidence in the Government by firmly believing that government is capable of solving their problems amicably, hence no need for the rising tension in various communities of our dear country.”
He stated that: “In view of the several benefits derivable from enforcement of the said presidential special order and avert the ugly consequences, we once again appeal to the Hon Ministry of Justice and our highly respected Attorney General to kindly ensure the timely implementation of the order by an Implementation Committee.
“It is our sincere belief that, if our illegally occupied grazing reserves and blocked cattle routes which our livestock are using for free movement to their designated grazing reserves and water points, without moving through anybody’s farm are reclaimed and revive, peace and stability will be easily achieved in the entire country.”
Herders Association Demands for Enforcement of Presidential Directive on Grazing Reserves, Cattle Routes
Nigeria Officially Joins BRICS
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria has officially accepted to join BRICS as a partner country.
The Nigeria’s acceptance to join the group was communicated in a statement on Saturday by the acting spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa.
The statement read: “The Federal Government of Nigeria has accepted the invitation to join BRICS as a partner country. The formal acceptance to participate as a partner country underscores Nigeria’s commitment to fostering international collaboration, leveraging economic opportunities, and advancing strategic partnerships that align with Nigeria’s development objectives.
“BRICS, as a collective of major emerging economies, presents a unique platform for Nigeria to enhance trade, investment, and socio-economic cooperation with member countries.”
The statement added that: “Nigeria is poised to leverage this platform to advance shared goals in trade and investment, energy security, infrastructure development, technology, and climate change. This partnership also aligns with our national aspirations for inclusive growth, regional integration, and active participation in shaping a fair and equitable global economic order in line with our ethos of strategic autonomy.
“Nigeria looks forward to engaging constructively with BRICS members to drive innovation, foster people-to-people exchanges in line with our national interests and strategic priorities.”
Nigeria Officially Joins BRICS
National News
FFS Calls on Fuel Station Owners, Tankers Operators to Take Action at Addressing Recklessness of their Drivers , Employees
FFS Calls on Fuel Station Owners, Tankers Operators to Take Action at Addressing Recklessness of their Drivers , Employees
By: Michael Mike
The Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), Engr. Abdulganiyu Jaji has called on fuel station owners and tanker operators to take immediate action in addressing reckless driving by their drivers, especially on major roads and dangerous bends.
The call followed the tragic fuel tanker explosion in Niger State that claimed over 60 lives and left many others severely injured.
Speaking to journalists, Jaji reiterated the need for an urgent review of safety protocols governing fuel transportation across the nation.
The Controller-General while expressing concern over the frequent tanker explosions and fuel station incidents in the country, warned that even a small static spark or gas leak can result in rapid, deadly explosions.
Jaji who highlighted the dangers of scooping fuel from fallen tankers, noted that it has a highly fatal risk. “Fuel vapors and leaks can ignite at any moment,” he cautioned.
He said: “Your life is worth more than a few litres of fuel,” warning that approaching a fuel spill is not only dangerous but could be fatal.
He urged the public to avoid accident sites and instead contact the Federal Fire Service for prompt intervention.
The Fire Service boss also called on Nigerians, particularly operators of fuel stations, gas refilling plants, and users of gas cylinders, to strictly follow safety measures to prevent further catastrophe.
Jaji however extended his condolences to the families affected by the recent tragedy and commended the first responders for their dedication, which he described as a testament to the nation’s resilience.
He expressed his heartfelt prayers for those grieving, asking for divine strength to help them cope with their loss.
He took the time to express the importance of prioritizing safety and public awareness to prevent similar incidents in the future. “Every life is precious, and we must do everything in our power to protect our citizens,” he urged.
He reiterated the Federal Fire Service’s commitment to enhancing safety awareness and called for the swift passage of the Fire Service Act of 1963, which is currently under review at the National Assembly. He argued that the outdated law is inadequate to address current fire safety challenges and needs to be modernized to better regulate fire safety measures and reduce incidents like this in the future.
German Ambs, UNDP Country Rep unveil Zulum’s mass housing units, ICT centre
By: Our Reporter
The Ambassador of Germany to Nigeria, Annet Gunther, and the resident representative of the United Nations Development Programme to Nigeria, Elsie Attafuah, unveiled two projects executed by the administration of Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, in Monguno town.
While the German Ambassador unveiled resettlement houses for internally displaced persons (IDPs), Nigeria’s UNDP Country Representative conducted the commissioning of a 100-person capacity ICT centre to facilitate digital education.
The housing estate consists of 1,000 two-bedroom semi-detached low-cost houses and another 900 semi-permanent shelters with basic amenities such as a health centre and a borehole for water provision.
About 1,874 IDP families from 14 communities benefited from the housing project. Each of them received food and non-food items, N50,000 cash for the household heads and another N20,000 for each housewife.
In her goodwill message, Madam Annet Gunther commended Governor Zulum for the laudable projects that helped people affected by insurgency pick up the pieces of their lives.
She said: “This housing project is also a great example of collaboration between the government of Borno State and international partners. Funding for the housing units comes from both the state government and international partners.”
Elsie Attafuah corroborated Gunther’s commendation of Zulum’s administration, noting that the housing project aligns with UNDP’s regional stabilisation effort which is working towards peace restoration in communities in Lake Chad area.
Governor Zulum, in his address, explained that while the German Government funded the construction of 500 permanent and another 900 semi-permanent shelters, Borno State Government constructed the remaining 500 houses and provided amenities such as a health centre and potable water among others.
“A Letter of Agreement (LOA) was signed between Borno State Government and UNDP in 2020 under the RS German initiative to start the construction of 500 housing units. In August 2023, another LOA was signed under RSF German reintegration funds aimed at completing the 500 permanent housing units, providing an additional 900 semi-permanent shelters, and installing 375 solar streetlights,” the governor said.
He added that in addition to these efforts, Borno State Government had also constructed 500 permanent housing units and provided toilets for the temporary shelters, bringing the total number of houses constructed to 1,900.
According to Zulum, these accommodations will play a crucial role in the voluntary decongestion and eventual closure of some IDP camps in Monguno, ensuring a smoother transition for resettling families.
The governor expressed gratitude to the Governments of Germany, the United Kingdom, Sweden, the Netherlands, Egypt and the European Union, among other donors for supporting Borno State.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Germany for their generous contribution and to UNDP for their unwavering partnership.
“Additionally, we thank all other donors and contributors to the RSF, UN OFFER, and other funding initiatives dedicated to promoting peace, stability, reintegration and development in Borno State,” Zulum stated.
Dignitaries, including the Egyptian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mohammed Foud, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, the Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator, Esty Sotyoko, the head of UNDP office, Maiduguri, Mathew Alao, community leaders and citizens, gathered to witness the commissioning ceremony.
German Ambs, UNDP Country Rep unveil Zulum’s mass housing units, ICT centre
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