A religious pressure group, the Muslim Media Watch Group of Nigeria, MMWGN has asked both Federal and State governments to stop flexing muscles over herders 'open grazing' system of cattle rearing, restructuring, and other concerns that have seemingly engulfed the nation in crises and conflicts.
Edu-Biznews recalled that the Southern Governors Forum recently in Asaba, the Delta State capital placed an outright ban on open grazing in the southern part of Nigeria,as part of security measures to prevent frequent clashes between farmers and herders
Both Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr.Abubakar Malami,SAN and Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity To the President, Garba Shehu had condemned the ban, describing the decision as unconstitutional
The Muslim Media Watch Group of Nigeria, MMWGN in a statement by its Ogun State Coordinator,
Alh Kamaldeen Akintunde, (esq), made available to Edu-Biznews in Abeokuta, traced the numerous challenges that are confronting the country and the resultant calamities to political, ethnic, religious and separatist tendencies and permutations at the expense of the country's broader and larger interests.
MMWGN blamed the political class of taking advantage and exploring the country's diversities to promote selfish as against collective interests and undermine nationhood and our corporate existence.
The group noted that the quagmire of problems and its attendant effects which are having its tolls on every sphere of life are becoming worrisome and intolerable. It called for synergy, cooperation, collaboration, understanding patriotism and 'rule of law' as recipes to take us from the myriad of problems.
MMWGN decried the discordant tunes in government circles, and the pursuit of selfish agenda by political, tribal and religious leaders.
dIt cautioned the leaders and their Aides against unguarded utterances and inflammatory statements under the guise of defending government actions and inactions, capable of heating up the polity and generating tension and disquiet.
It enjoined the Nigerian Governors Forum, NGF to exercise magnanimity on issues by exploring a more constructive engagement with critical stakeholders at proffering solutions to the country's multiple challenges like the pastoralists/crop farmers incessant clash, and other salient issues like restructuring and/or the call for a review of the "Exclusive List"
The group emphasized a roburst approach to dealing with the vexed issue of 'anti open grazing' and canvassed for an holistic measure that will guarantee an enduring and sustainable peace. It noted that Ranching and/or the FG's propunded National Livestock Transformation Plan, NLTP will nip the "recurring decimal" in the bud if properly and sincerely implemented.
It posited that the age long "open grazing" has implication for public health, stating that it is uncivilized, primitive and not in tandem with modern day husbandry and animal production practices.
Meanwhile, MMWGN has enjoined the Federal Government to address genuine and legitimate concerns about restructuring to douse the clamour and tension for self rule and as a realistic and pragmatic approach to ensuring a cohesive and united Nigeria.
It noted that the pluralism of the Nigerian state has made it factorial and compelling for political leaders to institute a system that will ensure evenly distribution of resources for an all round development of the country.
The Watch group emphasised fairness, equity and justice in the allocation of resources and infrastructure, and as recipes for resolving issues undermining our survival as a nation.
The Media group urged Nigerians to avail themselves of the NASS organised public hearing on Constitution Review to address these issues and other concerns.
It counselled Nigerians and those in diaspora with separatist mission to borrow a leaf from Sudan experience, stating that the Refrendum which resulted in the country's polar divisions has been a regrettable action by the Sudanese.
The Media Watch stated that the country is seating on a 'keg of gun powder' which will blow no good wind should it erupt. It therefore called for restraint, tolerance, understanding passion and high patriotism on the part of the leadership and followership.
In the meantime, MMWGN has enjoined the newly appointed Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Major-Gen Farouk Yahaya to strategise and double efforts at ending the spate of violence and crime in Nigeria as he takes important choices as the twenty-second COAS.
It admonished him that his predecessor and former COAS, Lt. Gen Attahiru Ibrahim could be said to have died in the battle front (like Presd Derby of Chad) amidst efforts to wrestle the country from the menace of Boko Haram, ISWAP and the emergent militia posing threats to people's existence. The group implored him that his winning the war on terrorism will be a credible last respect he will accord his predecessor.
MMWGN has in the same vein reminded Nigerians that "the sweat of our heroes past shall never be in vain" require a joint and collective drive, and therefore enjoined all Nigerians to remain committed to national goals, while also being law abiding.
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