{"id":1818,"date":"2024-07-16T10:00:30","date_gmt":"2024-07-16T10:00:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/beadysword.com.ng\/blog\/?p=1818"},"modified":"2024-07-16T10:46:50","modified_gmt":"2024-07-16T10:46:50","slug":"livestock-ministry-afenifere-ohanaeze-arewa-youths-others-take-definite-stand","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/beadysword.com.ng\/blog\/2024\/07\/16\/livestock-ministry-afenifere-ohanaeze-arewa-youths-others-take-definite-stand\/","title":{"rendered":"Livestock Ministry: Afenifere, Ohanaeze, Arewa youths, others take definite stand"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The decision of President Bola Tinubu to establish the Minister of Livestock Development has continued to generate divergent views from stakeholders.<\/p>\n

While a constitutional lawyer, Madubuachi Idam sees Tinubu\u2019s decision as a duplication of ministries and engaging in wastage, the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum, AYCF, as well as Afenifere and its Ohanaeze Ndigbo counterpart believed the initiative is a welcome development that would put an end to the long-standing farmers-herders crisis.<\/p>\n

Tinubu created the ministry 10 months after he approved the establishment of the presidential committee on Livestock to address the herders and farmers\u2019 clashes and bolster the livestock and dairy industries.<\/p>\n

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He set up the committee after receiving a report from the National Conference on Livestock Reforms and Mitigation of Associated Conflicts in Nigeria chaired by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Abdullahi Ganduje.<\/p>\n

Over the years, there has been a lingering crisis between farmers and herders across Nigeria, a situation that has led to the loss of lives and properties worth millions.<\/p>\n

States like Plateau, Benue, Kaduna, Enugu, Imo, Delta, Kaduna, Oyo, among others have been adversely affected by the endless crisis.<\/p>\n

But, assuring that the newly created ministry would resolve the long-standing crisis, Tinubu said during the inauguration: \u201cWho says the solution is far? I say, \u2018No, the solution is here.\u2019 Majority of you have great experience and you want Nigeria to prosper.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo enable Nigeria to finally take advantage of livestock farming, we have seen the solution and opportunity for this adversity that has plagued us over the years and I believe the prosperity is here in our hands.\u201d<\/p>\n

The President said Nigerians could now look forward to \u201cmaintaining the quality and safety of these perishable goods from farm to market thereby reducing food waste and ensuring a stable supply\u201d.<\/p>\n

Duplication of Ministries<\/strong><\/p>\n

Activist lawyer, Madubuachi Idam described the Ministry of Livestock Development as a duplication of ministries which would lead to wastage of funds at a time when Nigerians are experiencing hardship.<\/p>\n

Stressing that the ministry was needless, Idam said it should have been fused into the Ministry of Agriculture because the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service under the latter can sufficiently handle issues regarding Livestock.<\/p>\n

Speaking with DAILY POST, he said: \u201cWithout gimmicks, I will tell you that it\u2019s grossly a duplication of actions, needless duplication of ministries. It\u2019s a pure waste of public resources.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Ministry of Agriculture which has an agency called Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service can sufficiently handle every issue regarding livestock management, and herders-farmers issues.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn fact, I can tell you that there is no reason the president should engage in the creation of a ministry called Livestock Development when the Ministry of Agriculture is in existence.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s the need for this ministry? What\u2019s the rationale behind it? I can tell you that Nigerians should be worried about using this ministry by persons manning it to grab land from farmers, to acquire and dominate Nigerians.\u201d<\/p>\n

Will power to tackle the farmers-herders crisis missing<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Abuja-based activist lawyer noted that the creation of a new ministry was not the panacea to the lingering crisis, stressing that the government lacked the willpower to resolve the crisis.<\/p>\n

He disclosed that the crisis would end when the Federal government chose not to allow pastoralists to invade farmlands with their cattle.<\/p>\n

Idam added: \u201cThe problem of Nigeria today with respect to the farmers-herders crisis is not the absence of a ministry to take care of the crisis.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s the absence of the willpower and the right knowledge to manage the differences, the yearnings coming from farmers. The issue is simple, don\u2019t allow pastoralists to use their business to invade farmers\u2019 lands.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not about if there is an agency or ministry that will conveniently take care of the differences between these two people, it\u2019s whether the right people have what it takes, and possess the right knowledge to take care of this crisis between farmers and herders.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, the creation of another ministry to take care of them is a needless waste of resources because it\u2019s not necessary.\u201d<\/p>\n

The lawyer further stressed that creating the Ministry of Livestock Development had shown that Tinubu was surrounded by the wrong set of people.<\/p>\n

He called on the Federal Government to engage traditional rulers and religious leaders in the move to resolve the farmers-herders crisis.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe traditional rulers, and religious leaders in different parts of Nigeria can be engaged and people have clamoured that these people should be engaged in resolving this crisis, it\u2019s not about a separate ministry different from the ones in existence. In fact, what are all the ministries in Nigeria doing?<\/p>\n

\u201cThe creation of the ministry requires funding, whereas the issue here is not funding but tackling the crisis between herders and farmers, so if you create a ministry now and charge them with the responsibility of settling this crisis, it will require that the minister have an office and budgetary allocation to function.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, it\u2019s not necessary at this time. What is necessary is that the president should make use of the Ministry of Agriculture through the Agency of Nigerian Agricultural and Quarantine Agency.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will tell you that the decision to create the Livestock ministry is grossly ill-advised and I can tell you that the president has confirmed my suspicion that he\u2019s not surrounded by people who have the technical knowledge to tackle the problem of Nigeria.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe may need to look beyond his cabinet because it appears they are not advising him properly. This is not necessary at this time, the Ministry of Agriculture can conveniently take care of it,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

Tinubu government has something to offer \u2013 Arewa youths<\/strong><\/p>\n

On his part, the National President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, AYCF, Yerima Shettima said the creation of the new ministry was an indication that Tinubu\u2019s administration has something to offer Nigerians.<\/p>\n

Shettima, who described the initiative as a welcome development, expressed the hope that the new ministry will curtail the lingering farmers-herders crisis.<\/p>\n

Speaking with DAILY POST, Shettima said: \u201cFor us in the Northern part of the country, we are glad to hear about the creation of a new ministry for Livestock and it\u2019s a clear indication that the government has something to offer the farmers and herders and it will curtail the issue between them.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt least, somebody should be responsible for checking the excesses and also come up with a policy that would mediate between the farmers and the herders.<\/p>\n

\u201cI do not think it\u2019s right to put the new ministry under the Ministry of Agriculture, because for over two decades, we have not seen any result.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf this will bring about peace and development which is all we want, then I don\u2019t think it\u2019s too big for the government to do.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith this ministry, we will be able to hold whoever is saddled with the responsibility to resolve the crisis, saying \u2018look you are not doing enough or do better\u2019.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t forget that the responsibility in the Ministry of Agriculture is so high overtime that some of them have seen a lot of lapses.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, whoever brought this idea, I think it\u2019s a welcomed development for us because it will bring positive changes. For me, I commend the government for its courage so far.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ministry of Livestock Development not waste of resources, will resolve farmers-herders crisis \u2013 MACBAN<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Director of Media and Strategy of MACBAN in Kaduna State, Ibrahim Bayero Zango said the ministry will gradually resolve the crisis between farmers and herders.<\/p>\n

Zango countered the claims that the ministry is a waste of resources.<\/p>\n

He told DAILY POST: \u201cThe ministry will resolve the crisis between farmers and herders but not immediately as people would perceive it.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Federal Government has neglected the livestock sector for a very long time.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith the creation of this ministry, it will minimize the crisis gradually and at the end of the day, it will be reduced to the barest minimum.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf the government can properly fund and equip the ministry, a lot will be achieved. So many grazing reserves have been abandoned, if only the government can resuscitate and develop them, mind you, some of these abandoned grazing reserves are gazetted while others are not.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll the Federal grazing reserves should be taken over by the government. Recall that Obasanjo\u2019s government handed over the grazing reserves to the state governments by the year 2000.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, this ministry will take over the Federal grazing reserves and allow states to handle their own reserves.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t agree that the creation of the Livestock Ministry is a waste of resources, if you can establish the Ministry of Sports while spending money on it without any benefit other than winning, then this is valuable.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you go to a tournament and lose, what happens to the money spent? How will the government recoup the money spent?<\/p>\n

\u201cBut with this Ministry of Livestock in place, there will be so many benefits that will touch on even mothers because they will have enough milk to consume. We will be getting natural milk, healthy beef.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ministry is Tinubu\u2019s political move \u2013 Ohanaeze<\/strong><\/p>\n

Commenting, factional Secretary-General of Ohanaeze, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, said the Ministry of Livestock Development would curtail the continued crisis between farmers and herders.<\/p>\n

Isiguzoro said the ministry was part of efforts to appease Northern opposition, adding that it will empower and regulate activities of herders.<\/p>\n

He told DAILY POST: \u201cPolitically, it\u2019s the version of the ministry of Niger Delta and it\u2019s to appease the Fulani and the North on how the government will empower and regulate the activities of Miyetti Allah groups.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can see the reaction of the Miyetti Allah groups jubilating and sending huge signals that this was really what the North has been looking for.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s one of the best ways to appease the opposition against the Federal Government. By this situation, Tinubu is already having an inroad towards the North for his 2027 ambition or reelection.<\/p>\n

\u201cEconomically and otherwise, the Ministry will help to curtail the excesses of the killer herdsmen across the middle belt to the Southeast.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ministry of Livestock Development not duplication of Ministry<\/strong><\/p>\n

Isiguzoro also countered claims that the Ministry of Livestock Development is a duplication.<\/p>\n

He added: \u201cIt\u2019s the prerogative of Mr President to know the reasons there is a Livestock Ministry different from that of Agriculture.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe has a clear sign of what to achieve; the Ministry of Agriculture has been there but never addressed the clash between killer herders and farmers all these while.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, for Ohanaeze, it\u2019s not a duplication but a direct solution to the Ministry of Agriculture\u2019s shortcomings.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Minister of Agriculture has not performed; in fact, he should be sacked. The Ministry of Agriculture has not proffered any solution to the hunger in Nigeria.<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe Mr President has reasons for creating this Ministry from that of Agriculture.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s the same reason the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs was created from that of Woman Affairs and Social Services. Every president has the right to create a ministry that would address the situation of the country.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo to us, it\u2019s not a duplication, moreover, we call for such a duplication to address the situation in the Southeast like Biafra agitation.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy can\u2019t Tinubu create a ministry that will address the insecurity and violent agitation caused by the marginalization of previous governments against the people of the Southeast. This will help him to win support in the Southeast in 2027.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ministry of Livestock Development welcome development \u2013 Afenifere<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Yoruba pan-sociocultural organization, Afenifere said that any step that will put a permanent stop to attacks on farmers by herders is welcomed for as long as such a step does not compromise the interest and integrity of the local people and their land.<\/p>\n

When contacted by DAILY POST, Afenifere\u2019s spokesman, Comrade Jare Ajayi, said the organization does not see the action of Mr. President as a move to please or displease any section of the country \u201cbut as a move to solve a problem that has been causing a lot of tensions in the land\u201d.<\/p>\n

Ajayi said: \u201cPresident Bola Tinubu was quoted as saying that the creation of the Ministry and the inauguration of the Livestock Committee are to, among others, put a stop to herders\/farmers clashes and boost agricultural economy.<\/p>\n

\u201cBy making himself Chairman of the Committee and Professor Attahiru Jega as co-chair, it is taken that the President attaches a lot of importance to the proposed Ministry and the proposed Committee\u201d.<\/p>\n

Ajayi went further to say that ordinarily, creation of a new government agency would be considered as inappropriate at a time that the federal government is thinking of reducing the size of government through the implementation of Oronsaye Report.<\/p>\n

He noted that, \u201cincidentally, the government acknowledged this as reflected in the alibi given by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Minister had said that the benefits inherent in the creation of the new Ministry outweighs the thinking that its creation would be against the \u2018administration\u2019s cost-cutting measure in government\u2019.<\/p>\n

Ajayi observed that the thinking in government was probably informed by the failure of the Ten-Year Livestock Transformation Plan that was launched in 2019.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Plan was designed to curtail movement of cattle, boost livestock production, stop cattle rustling and halt herders-farmers\u2019 clashes. But the Plan did not see the light of the day.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is no doubt that the failure of the Plan has led to, in large part, escalation in herders\/farmers clashes and dearth of meat and dairy products,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

On the anticipated benefits of the proposed Ministry, the Afenifere spokesman quoted the President as saying that: \u201cTraditional livestock system must be reformed to add significant and sustainable value to Nigeria\u2019s social economic growth and development.<\/p>\n

\u201cOrdinarily, there are relevant departments within the existing Ministry of Agriculture to take care of what the proposed Ministry is being designed for, especially at this time that there is the imperative need to reduce costs of governance.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut then, if this is the path that the government wants to tread, it can go ahead.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut it must ensure that the announced objectives are achieved. Notwithstanding, the government must continue with the implementation of Oronsaye Report.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The decision of President Bola Tinubu to establish the Minister of Livestock Development has continued to generate divergent views from stakeholders. While a constitutional lawyer, Madubuachi Idam sees Tinubu\u2019s decision as a duplication of...<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1819,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1818","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/beadysword.com.ng\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1818","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/beadysword.com.ng\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/beadysword.com.ng\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/beadysword.com.ng\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/beadysword.com.ng\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1818"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/beadysword.com.ng\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1818\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1825,"href":"https:\/\/beadysword.com.ng\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1818\/revisions\/1825"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/beadysword.com.ng\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1819"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/beadysword.com.ng\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1818"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/beadysword.com.ng\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1818"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/beadysword.com.ng\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1818"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}