Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has endorsed the position of Southern Governors on the ban of open grazing.

The National Patron of MACBAN, Senator Walid Jibrin made this known at a press conference in Kaduna On Thursday, saying the ban is capable of solving the farmers-herders crisis.

He said cattle rearing has been in Africa for over 100 years without any consideration to free movement of cattle (Open Grazing) or any Grazing Reserve.

He said this was carried out in the past because there were few herders, farmers and cattle, especially in Nigeria.

Jibrin said currently, the population has increased with modern technique of farming consuming land tremendously.

Senator Jibrin, who is also the Sarkin Fulani Nasarawa, said, with the current concern on cattle rearing in Africa especially Nigeria, there is need to look at how best this practice will be carried out successfully.

According to him, “We must note that land in Nigeria is being owned by individuals, Federal, and State Governments” he said.

“As a full-blooded Fulani Man, Sarkin Fulani, and Patron Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), and concerned Fulani Leader in Nigeria, I have a free mind on anyone recommending a ban on open grazing, free movement of herders, and cattle in Nigeria because the practice is getting outdated and it is necessary for Nigeria, especially the Fulani race to study critically the traditional open grazing believing that the 21st century may never accommodate it.

“When you look at the practice of open grazing in Nigeria compared with what is happening Internationally, Nigeria can never continue with traditional open grazing practice. In order to effect a change, the Fulani elites should be bold enough to come out with alternatives to open grazing and advise the Fulanis in Nigeria accordingly.

“Most importantly the various Fulani Associations with Membership up to 50 must come together and talk with one
voice on this tradition of open grazing and not necessarily allow any group to come out to do it for them.

“The Federal and State Governments should come to the rescue by providing Grazing reserve centres equipped with Hospitals, Nomadic Schools, Electricity, Bore Holes, Cattle Markets with Modern Slaughtering Centres, Open Market to our Fulani Women to enable them to remain in one place to sell milk instead of their house to house roaming about exposing our rich Culture and Religion.”

Jibrin also opposed the criticism that trailed the decision of governors on grazing ban, saying they deserved being praised for taking such a bold step.

“I have fully observed the feeling of many groups and individuals in Nigeria about open grazing. There is so much condemnation from Nigerian Governors, Northern Governors, Southern Governors etc. These groups and individuals should never be condemned and must be praised for their bold comments trying to modernize and improve cattle rearing in Nigeria. Another reason why we should shun away from open grazing is the way old methods of settlements of crises between Herdsmen and Farmers have been abandoned.

“The role of the Traditional rulers especially the Village Heads, District Heads are daily being neglected by both Herdsmen and Farmers leaving it on the hands of the Police, Courts and other Law abiding agencies. Because of poverty and lack of full education some Fulani children are involved in some unholy acts which will surely be remedied by provision of Grazing reserves.

“May I seize this opportunity to congratulate all the Governors for the bold steps they are taking to curb the menace of open grazing, kidnapping and banditry. In the S/W the recent action by the Governor of Oyo State Chief Makinde is very commendable and also commend him for shunning away the call asking all Hausas and Fulanis to leave the SouthWest. I also condemn any call from the North that all Hausas and Fulani should – leave the South West.

“Nigeria must remain one entity and one Nigeria as against what is happening now. We should rely more on dialogue, and mediation with herders, Fulani Leaders, Traditional rulers and our Governors in order to end this feud. Our Traditional Rulers must also be encouraged to participate in dialogue between Fulani Herdsmen and Farmers for now the traditional rulers are kept off from handling of Herdsmen and Farmers problems.”

Jibrin’s comment comes at a time when Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, accused southern governors of illegality, likening the ban on grazing in the south to the prohibition of spare parts trade in the north.

Former Head of State General Abdulsalam Abubakar(Rtd) has urged the Federal Government to forget every infrastructural development and divert all necessary fundings to secure peace across the nation.

Saying, if there is no peace, there cannot be a country.

He,however, appealed to the Federal Government to stop every unnecessary development and focus on security.

Abdulsalam spoke when Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, visited him to commiserate over the death of father of Senator Sani Musa, the Senator representing Niger East Senatorial District.

According to him ” My suggestion is that due to the overstretching of our security forces, I think, all the necessary fundings should be given to the security forces.

“I suggest that we look at the unnecessary development issues in the country and do the needful to make life bearable and let us face this insecurity by diverting the necessary fundings to secure peace in this country. If there is no peace, there will be no country.”

Abdulsalam further prayed those making life difficult for Nigerians will give peace a chance.

Lawan appreciated advice of the elder statesman, saying the courage, resolve and determination of Nigerians would help the nation surmount its current challenges.

The Senate President said majority of Nigerians still want Nigeria to remain one, stating those calling for segregation of the country should be properly guided.

The Federal Treasury will continue to ensure timely release of funds to the Nigerian Navy and other Armed Forces to enable them record greater successes in securing the country’s territorial waters and sovereignty

AGF Ahmed Idris, fcna and Admiral AZ Gambo, Chief of Naval Staff made this known during a courtesy visit to the CNS at the Defence House.

The Accountant General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris FCNA said this when he paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral A.Z.Gambo at the Defense Headquarters in Abuja.

While acknowledging the enormous responsibility saddled on the Nigerian Navy and other Armed Forces, Idris stated that the Federal Treasury will continue to support the Nigerian Armed Forces to achieve more successes.

“The Nigerian Navy and other Armed Forces have kept the country one in terms of discharge of their duties. Your responsibility is enormous, you need every support. We will continue to support you by giving you the necessary tools for you to deliver”, he said.

Idris congratulated the Naval Chief on his appointment and stressed that no effort will be sparred to sustain the cordial relationship that has existed between the Nigeria Armed Forces and the Federal Treasury.

Earlier in his remarks, the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral A.Z.Gambo expressed delight at the visit of the Accountant General of the Federation and extolled the cordial relationship that has existed between the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Federal Treasury.

He noted that the security challenges the country is facing is not insurmountable, adding that “it is now more action, less talk” as directed by the President.

The Chief of Naval Staff advocated improved welfare for Officers and Men in terms of infrastructure to quarter Naval Ratings and Officers.

The Acting Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, has put the commissioners of police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Plateau State on the alert over imminent attacks by Boko Haram members.

The alert was contained in a May 19, 2021 circular addressed to the two commissioners of police and signed by the Principal Staff Officer to the IGP, Idowu Owohunwa, an acting CP.

He said intelligence report revealed that terrorists are planning to attack Abuja and Jos.

The circular with reference number TB: 0900/IGP.SEC/ABJ/VOL.TI/47 was titled ‘Terror elements to expand frontiers of attack.’

A copy of the circular was obtained by our correspondent on Friday.

In the circular, the acting IGP directed the commissioners of police to review their security architecture and beef up security around government facilities particularly in Abuja and Jos.

The circular reads in parts , “Intelligence report at the disposal of the Inspector-General of Police has uncovered plans by Boko Haram terrorists to attack major cities in the country, particularly in Jos, Plateau and the FCT, Abuja.

“The proposed attacks would be coordinated by the duo of Muhammad Sani, a Boko Haram commander, domiciled in Sambisa Forest and his deputy, Suleiman, hibernating around Lawan Musa Zango, Gashua, Yobe State.

“In light of the above, it is the directive of the Inspector-General of Police that you review your security architecture across all critical government infrastructures and police facilities in your jurisdiction with a view to checkmating the dastardly plans of this marauding terrorists.”

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the designation of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja and Port Harcourt International Airport, Rivers State Nigerian as Special Economic Zones (SEZs).

With this development, these airports will enjoy the offerings of SEZs like tax incentives and a window to pay lower tariffs on businesses.

The Minister of Aviation, Mr. Hadi Sirika made the disclosure today via a post on his verified Twitter handle @hadisirika.

He tweeted: “I am very glad to announce that Mr President has approved our four International Airports as Special Economic Zones. These are Lagos, Kano, Abuja & Port Harcourt. Our roadmap working.”

The Nigerian civil aviation roadmap, as designed by the ministry, includes the establishment of a national carrier, establishment of a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility, concession of some airports, the establishment of an Aviation Leasing Company, amongst others.

Sirika said that the reforms contained in the aviation roadmap will lay a solid and lasting foundation for Aviation development in Nigeria.

The Minister added that safety and security have remained at the centre of government policies in the aviation sector since the inception of the current administration and its efforts have been applauded by all, including the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC).

He has repeatedly appealed to all players within the industry to join hands with the government to ensure the realisation of the lofty objectives of the roadmap for the benefit of Nigerians and all users of the nation’s airspace.m