Reject ‘Ruga’ before crisis descends, PANDEF warns N’Delta governors

The Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has warned the governors of the Niger Delta region to vehemently reject the Federal Government’s plan to establish cattle colonies, otherwise known as ‘Ruga’ for herdsmen across the country.

The forum said the plan, if embraced, will destroy the longtime peace which the region has been enjoying.

It also added that the purported ‘Ruga’ will only give birth to crisis in the country as it is already seen as an attempt to Islamize the country.

In a statement by its national secretary, Alfred Mulade, in Warri on Thursday, PANDEF promised to fight against the plan with all it has.

“‘Ruga’ settlements may heighten strife across the nation, not attend to “the heinous activities of the herdsmen. Without any equivocation, PANDEF strongly condemns the programme and hereby states that there is no land anywhere in the Niger Delta Region for the establishment of such settlements for herdsmen”, the statement read.

It added that, “It is quite disturbing that in a democracy, the federal government would unilaterally decide the establishment of Ruga settlements or cattle colonies.

Read also: Fayose explains why herdsmen menace in S’West, Nigeria may never end

“It is necessary to note that the Land Use Act, enacted in 1978 to regulate land tenure and administration systems, and to ensure effective and equitable utilization of land and land resources in the country, vests all urban land within a state in the state governor, and all non-urban land in the local governments in which they are found.”

It further described the gesture as a “disrespect to the rule of law with impunity and authoritarianism,” which “neither fits into the practice of Democracy, nor supports Mr. President’s recent recommendation of True Federalism for Nigeria.

“In fact, along with the re-submission of the Inland Waterways Bill and the approval of a Radio frequency for establishment of Radio stations for Herdsmen by the Federal Government, there is only one inescapable conclusion, and that is, Nigeria is towing a catastrophic destiny.”

It also urged the governors of the oil-rich region to form a united front to resist the cattle colonies, as well as called on the federal government to ditch the idea.

“We therefore urge Governors of the Niger Delta states to collectively also reject the programme, as it is capable of undermining the prevailing relative peace and security in the region. PANDEF considers those behind this idea as enemies of the country as the planned settlement could worsen the security situation in the country.

“We call on the Federal Government to jettison its plan, as it is an invitation to chaos, and a prelude towards the islamisation of this Country, which PANDEF is determined to resist, with all vehemence,” the statement read.

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