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A Little Too Late …Curbing Excesses Of Fulani Herdsmen
Buhari and Arase Solomon
They started as mere clashes between farmers and herdsmen, the former protesting destruction of farmlands by cows and the latter claiming unqualified right of the animals to feed, if and when hungry.
Amusing as the argument sounded, the herdsmen continued their annoying pastime with impunity and recklessness.
Then, it graduated into outright attacks of farmers who dared protest the destruction of their crops. Heavily armed with combat weapons, the herdsmen soon became something like an invading army, crushing resistance, sacking communities, beheading opposition and killing defenceless men, women and children.
On February 12, this year, Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko raised the alarm that except urgent security steps were taken, the incessant clashes between farmers and Fulani herdsmen would create bigger security problems than that posed by Boko Haram.
Mimiko was speaking in Akure when the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase visited the state over complaints of clashes resulting in disturbing fatalities. It was the governor’s view that the Federal Government needed to invest in the development of ranches to avoid greater danger likely to be caused by the clashes. He described the upsurge as a new trend of security challenges that should be tackled headlong before it degenerated into big security threat.
On that occasion, the IGP assured of an end to the menace, saying that efforts would be made to fully enforce the cattle ranch and grazing routes policies.
His assurance came on the heels of similar clashes in Kwara and other parts of the South West.
The following week, Plateau communities came under fire by armed Fulani herdsmen, who killed many defenceless citizens. Farmlands were also destroyed and life made very unbearable for inhabitants. That attack was followed by another, and yet another with score of fatalities.
Disturbing as the trend was, the Federal government did little or nothing. The Fulani herdsmen were therefore, emboldened to further conquer more grounds, acquiring more combat weapons, which they brandished openly, and attacked host communities at will.
Enugu which seemed distant for such unwarranted attacks, felt the pain of losing loved ones through attacks by Fulani herdsmen last week. And Governor Ugwuanyi wept as he condoled with families of the dead. The grief was indeed heart-breaking. To behold such avoidable deaths at peace time, through unprovoked armed attacks was indeed unimaginable.
Expectedly, the youth of the South-East Nigeria were provoked and threatened reprisals. That might have informed an urgent meeting of Governors of the Political zone, with the sole intention of finding solutions to the problem.
Apart from the Boko Haram insurgency, the Fulani Herdsmen’s attacks have recorded the most casualties in recent history. Yet, the Federal government looked the other way.
For a country reeling under the huge weight of a crippling economy on account of the free fall in price of Nigeria’s major export, crude, allowing insecurity of any kind is a luxury any reasonable administration can afford. But it seems that the word insecurity has different meanings to the Buhari administration depending on who and where it is involved.
Since the inception of this administration, hardly any week passed without sad stories of one needless Fulani Herdsmen attack on one community to another and with many deaths. Sometimes, whole communities were razed and fellow Nigerians made refugees in their own land.
In all such instances, there were public outcries calling for action. There were hue and cry from states like Kwara, Benue and Plateau, but those alarms failed to conjure the feeling of urgency needed to check the excesses of the Fulani herdsmen.
The Enugu example of last week, all the mourning over the deaths, the threats of reprisals would have been avoided if the Federal government had acted in a timely manner or at least, condemned the ravaging herdsmen’s insurgency.
Prior to that, many Nigerians expected the Commander-In-Chief to issue the right orders necessary to stop the killings. He never did. Yet for months, Nigerians repeatedly called for action against herdsmen, who rather than the traditional sticks used to guide their cows, today arm themselves with lethal weapons which they use in eliminating host-communities who dare complain about destruction of their farmlands.
That is why many consider Buhari’s recent directive to the IGP to fish out the culprits, as an order a little too late. Herdsmen have tasted the orgy of blood and in places of little resistance recorded bloody conquests that have emboldened them beyond impunity levels.
Some even said, the herdsmen are more dangerous and heartless than the Boko Haram terrorists, as the social media is awash with photographs of headless bodies, allegedly beheaded by them.
In contrast, just for a threat by some youth who called themselves new militants of the Niger Delta, to vandalise oil pipelines unless proper attention was given to the area, President Buhari ordered service chiefs to treat such vandals as Boko Haram insurgents.
With such order, service chiefs were in no time, in parts of the Niger Delta apparently to extend the order of the Commander-In-Chief to the officers, in the area. That means shoot at sight and to kill, if necessary.
No such order was issued in the case of the Fulani herdsmen by Buhari in spite of the countless human lives taken by their attacks across the country. Infact, some said dispatching the IGP to handle the matter instead of military chiefs, affirms the lightness of the Herdsmen’s nuisance to the Central government. Why so?
These are strange times. There is so much insecurity in the land. Many Nigerians are hungry. The political arena seems to be on the standstill on account of near endless bickering over the 2016 national budget. There is so much discontent even among the elite, while students are getting more and more restive.
Nearly a year into the four year tenure of this government, there is hardly anything to point to, that it was ready to govern. All the noise about anti-corruption war has yet to record any conviction not to mention the lack of transparency in making public how much has so far been recovered of the looted resources.
Cases of armed robbery, kidnapping and cult-related violence have increased within the period. Many Nigerians now sleep with an eye open, not knowing when the attacker would call.
On the democratic front, all the gains made after the general elections of last year have frittered away. Many no longer have faith in the electoral process, as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is now famed for conducting inconclusive elections that deny a whole state representation at the National Assembly, as long as such state is an opposition state.
Infact, there is general hunger, starvation, frustration and distrust in the land.
These are why everything should be done by the Commander-In-Chief to disarm the herdsmen and mark out their limits. Being individual businessmen, herdsmen as done in other lands, ought to own their ranches and not covert others’ farmlands into their grazing fields and attack when resisted. There is nothing wrong if the Federal Government decides to help them out with such ranches, under one of its agriculture support schemes, bottomline is, the herdsmen’s excesses be checked.
My Agony is that the Fulani Herdsmen, like a monster growing bigger than its groomer, have tasted blood, enjoyed killing and assumed power of some sort, and may not be too easy to tame. And unless the required political will is summoned by the commander-in-chief to crush the murderous army of herdsmen, as he would pipeline vandals, we might well be expecting a replacement for the Boko Haram.
Soye Wilson Jamabo
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DEPLOY YOUR CAPACITY, TECHNICAL KNOWHOW TO REVITALISE SONGHAI FARMS, FUBARA TELLS TASK FORCE
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that diversifying the economy of the State has become inevitable because of the need to solve the problem of food shortages while also providing jobs for the teeming unemployed youths.
These, he said, are the reasons why great care has been taken to critically look at the prospects of revitalising the Songhai Integrated Farms, which is located in Bunu Tai, in Tai Local Government Area of the State.
Governor Fubara insisted that if the problem associated with food shortages is tackled with good intent and purpose, about 40 to 50 percent of current problems of economic hardship plaguing the country and its people would have been solved.
Governor Fubara made the assertion while inaugurating the Chairman, Mr Biedima Oliver, and members of the task force saddled with the responsibility of supervising the revitalization of Songhai Integrated Farms by its partners: Vitalcrop Ventures Limited and Imagine Adama Limited, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Other members of the task force included, the Rivers State Commissioner for Agriculture, Engr Victor Kii; Commissioner for Finance, Barrister Emmanuel Frank-Fubara; Dr Ayebaesin Beredugo; and Mr Maurice Ogolo.
The Governor explained that it took him time to approve the constitution of the task force being inaugurated because of the ugly experience with the previous group that shown such interest.
Governor Fubara stated that a process was initiated and driven halfway into the handing over of Songhai Farms on concession to an interested partner who latter showed a total lack of the needed capacity to undertake such task.
He said, “As a matter of fact, if few of you could remember, we even conceded the place to an investor who came in after he had made his presentation, and we, believing that he has the capacity, we said okay to him, and we had already signed up.
“But something happened. He came back to tell us that he wanted us to give him a N5billion bank guarantee. We then asked him, why? If we have the N5billion, why do we need you to come and even revitalize Songhai Farms? We would have put that N5billion there ourselves. For that reason, we cancelled that arrangement.”
Governor Fubara said now that two separate companies have come together to indicate interest and given the assurance of having the needed capacity to drive the process, he is delighted to see them meeting that expectation.
Governor Fubara pointed to the expectation of the people who want to see the Songhai Farms back on stream on a sustainable basis.
That expectation, he insisted, is also what his administration wants to see actualised within its lifespan.
He noted, “We want to see food sufficiency, because we know when Songhai Farms comes on board, there will be food, which is one of the problems we are having in this country. If we are able to tackle the issue of food, 40 to 50 percent of our problem will be solved.”
Governor Fubara also stated that although he believes in the presentation made by the group and has taken their assurance to heart, but warned that he would not tolerate a repeat of what happened before.
The Governor said, “I hope your story will not be (end) halfway too. I hope you have the capacity and all the technical knowhow to handle it. It is not when we start now, after we had finished inaugurating the task force, you will come back to tell us that you need $2million. If we have $2million, we won’t need you. We will invest it by ourselves.”
Governor Fubara, however, praised the capacity of the Chairman of the task force, Biedima Oliver, saying that incidentally, he was one of the personnel that convinced the then administration to develop the Songhai Farms, and had worked with the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA) to manage the project.
He said, “He knows and understands the workings of Songhai, and now that we are making you the chairman of the task force, we want to believe that you will make that place come back to life.
“I don’t have any doubt in your capacity. A few things you’ve touched, you turned them to gold. Please, bring it back to what we used to see in Songhai. Bring it back with the help of your committee.”
Governor Fubara assured that his administration will remain committed to providing all the necessary support that they may require to make their assignment a success.
He added, “So, I hereby inaugurate you. Your task is very simple: Do everything within your powers and with our support to make sure that Songhai becomes operational to the benefit, not just the people of Tai, but to the entire Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole”.
In his acceptance speech, the Chairman of the Task Force to Supervise the Revitalization of Songhai Farms with Vitalcrop Ventures Limited and Imagine Adama Limited, Mr. Biedima Oliver, expressed appreciation to Governor Fubara for the opportunity and confidence reposed in them to revive Songhai Farms.
Mr. Oliver assured that they will deliver the expected goal on Songhai Farms, and doing so on time and on target so that the good people of Rivers State can eventually be happy and also benefit from the huge investment.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that all the policies and programmes of his administration are tailored towards the protection of interest of Rivers people, especially the youths.
This, he said, is borne out of the importance his administration attaches to youths’ development and empowerment as leaders of tomorrow.
Fubara, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, disclosed this when he received the youths of Emohua Local Government Area under the auspices of “Emohua Youths For SIM” on solidarity visit to Government House, Port Harcourt, last Friday.
He said that his administration has put in place modalities that will boost the livelihoods and well-being of Rivers citizens, which youths of Emohua will also benefit when they materialise.
The governor, who spoke through the Rivers State Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, pointed out that the recently awarded Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku Road, the ongoing Emohua-Kalabari Road, reinstatement of illegally sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Area and the approval for electrification of the area, are part of deliberate measures to open up the area to make life conducive and more meaningful for the people.
According to him, “Everything about the governor is putting the interest of Rivers State first. He is looking at and taking action on those things that we need to do to restart the wheels of progress in Rivers State.
“There are many things the governor has planned and is already doing that will boost the life and welfare of every citizen of Rivers State, but most importantly the youths.
“Growing up, I learnt that Egbeda is one of the biggest communities in the whole of Ikwerre, and it’s predominantly an agrarian community. They have food in Egbeda, they have food in Ubimini, they have food in Omudiaga and other natural resources. The whole world is tilting to agriculture, and this is the way to go.
“The Elele-Umudioga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Omoku road, when completed, will open up the area for real development. Your food and everything you produce there will now have value, they will no longer be thrown away. In all these, you the youths are going to be the utmost beneficiaries.”
He added, “Same will be applicable to the Emohua-Kalabari Road which will also, trigger development in the area, and you will be the greatest beneficiaries. When the LGA is also electrified, you will be having 24 or 20 hours of electricity, and those things the youths can do with electricity, you can stay at home and create wealth for yourself and children.
“All the totality of what the governor is doing, when they are completed, or even as some are completed now, the youths are going to be utmost beneficiaries.”
While acknowledging that youths are the true leaders of tomorrow and any government that fails to carry them along in the scheme of things is doomed to fail, the governor assured them of his administration’s commitment to always address issues concerning youths and ensure that they are part of his government.
He commended the youths for toeing the path of truth by identifying with his administration, urging them to sustain the tempo and shun evil, as his government will ensure that the trend whereby politicians turn youths to beggars are over.
He said, “Youths are, indeed, the leaders of tomorrow. The time of youth is a very important time. It a time that your parents or whoever is your leader at that time have to make the greatest investment in you. And any Government that decides to only carry the elderly, chiefs aling and abandon the youths is bound to fail,” he asserted.
“But I am happy that Governor Fubara has concentrated his energy on everything that will benefit the society, especially the youths.
“And based on these, I want to thank you for recognising what is good and calling it good, for shunning what is evil, for saying the Governor is standing for you.
“Let me tell you, you are on the right direction. Let me tell you again, Rivers State is the bride of Nigeria. The whole Nigeria is looking at what will happen here. As they look here and see you standing on the path of truth, this is a very important step that you have taken to right all the wrongs of the past, to make Rivers State stand on the tripod of justice, peace and security. That is what we are going to gain through the governor, taking all the wise actions that he has already initiated.
“The projects the governor is embarking on are meant to prepare nets for the youths to fish and put food on their table, hence you should continue to follow him.
“The SIMplified Movement brought upon by the governor will ensure that Rivers youths stop the habit of going to bow down before politicians, pledging loyalty before they can eat.”
Earlier, spokesman for the Emohua Youths for SIM, Comrade Ovamale O. Ovamale, had said that the visit by youths from the 14 political wards in Emohua Local Government Area was to thank the governor for the award of the Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku road, the approval for electrification of the area and reinstatement of sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Council, of which the youths were mostly affected.
According to him, “Siminalayi Fubara of recent has given Emohua Local Government road that links Elele to Omoku, which comprises over four communities in the local government.”
“Emohua Local Government has also been in darkness for eight years. No community in the local government that has light. But, of recent, because of the passion and love the governor has for the people of Emohua, he has approved the electrification of the local government.
“Also, the illegal sack of Emohua Local Government workers, for which the youths were mostly affected and without the approval of the Local Government Service Commission, the governor, in his compassionate nature, has reinstated them, and that is why we said we must come and thank His Excellency”, he said.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that his administration will collaborate and continue to consult widely in delivering a liberated State experiencing enduring peace.
Fubara said, in doing so, he would not operate as a dictator but as a member of a team that has the best interest of the State at heart and determined to leave a lasting legacy that can be celebrated.
The governor spoke during the formal presentation of Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Ateke Michael Tom, as first class tradition ruler, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Fubara stated that, during the Sixth State Executive Council meeting, N80.8billion was approved with 50 percent contract value paid already as the Government awarded the construction of the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road.
He said the project will be funded from the savings from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to underscore his administration’s prudence without also borrowing to complete the project.
“We are at a crossroad in our State where we all need to stand for what is right. It happens once in a life time. So, for now, be one of those people that will be in the course to liberate and free our dear State.
“And I know strongly that having the support of a peace-loving Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, having the support of the wonderful Council of Chiefs, having the support of the great people of Rivers State, we will bring peace in our State. We will do those things that are right to develop our State.
“We will continue to consult. We will not act as dictators. We will act as people who know that one day, we will leave, and when we leave, the way we have acted will speak for us. We will not force people to talk good about us. Our legacy will be a signature for how we led”, the governor said.
Fubara explained that he acted within the ambit of the law to upgrade the traditional stool upon which King Ateke Tom sits in recognition of his efforts in promoting peace in Okrika, and indeed, the State, and urged him to continue to do justice to everyone.
In his speech, Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Hon Charles Amadi, congratulated King Ateke Tom for being formally presented with the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office as first class traditional ruler.
Also speaking, former Transport Minister, Chief Abiye Sekibo, thanked the governor for fulfilling his promise of upgrading the traditional stool of Okochiri Kingdom, and pledged the support of Kirike Se people to his administration.