Richmond C. Amadi is an independent journalist, Book Publisher, member of RSU Alumni, Researcher (currently researching with Researchgate.net), Writer, Motivational Speaker. He is a BSc Holder in Office and Information Management, and Diploma holder in Management all from Rivers State University. Currently doing his MSc with RSU. Contact him on Richmond.amadi@ust.edu.ng or Amadirichmondc@gmail.com All Social Platforms: @amadirichmondc
We do not have land to give to anybody as a grazing field or colony and we call on the South East Governors to maintain their stand that they do not have such a place.
In what appears to be a polite question from the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, in Southern part of Nigeria, to federal government, challenged to explain reason why it gives preferential treatment to cattle rearers and turns back against other forms of farming.
The query, from CAN, issued in a statement at the weekend, came following the background of concerns raised by the suspended RUGA settlement project.
According to gathered reports, they however cautioned the people of Southern Nigeria to remain cautious amidst the suspension of the controversial RUGA settlement for Fulani herdsmen.
In a press statement issued by Secretary of CAN in the 17 Southern States, Dr. Joseph Ajujungwa, the body of clergy said the suspension of the programme by President Muhammadu Buhari may not be the end of the matter.
It suspected that there was every indication that underground work was still going on over the RUGA Project.
Dr. Joseph all Southerners to be watchful, adding that even as the churches pray, they don’t need to keep quiet on such matters.
In his words: “We do not have land to give to anybody as a grazing field or colony and we call on the South East Governors to maintain their stand that they do not have such a place. Do you know what it means to give 10 hectares of land to herdsmen? We say no to that.
“As CAN, we will preach it from our pulpit, every Imam should peach from the mosque and the traditionalists should stand against it; nobody should relent; no land should be given; any traditional ruler that does that should be dethroned.
“In the North, we have largest hectares of land, very vast that nobody is occupying. Why are they not building the ranches, RUGA or whatever there? They can come here, take grass and go, and we buy cows in exchange, just like the governors said. We do not have such mass land required.
