Emir Of Kano To Herdsmen: Obey Ekiti Grazing Law
The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi has charged herdsmen in Ekiti State to obey the Ekiti State Grazing Law to curb frequent clashes between the herdsmen and farmers in the state.
The monarch who spoke Monday in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State during a peace parley involving farmers, national leadership of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association and members in Ekiti, heads of security agencies and other stakeholders.
Sanusi who commended the Ekiti State Government for ensuring the enactment of the law said the law was all encompassing as it was designed to address issues affecting all both the herders and the farmers.
Sanusi who was represented at the meeting convened by Governor Ayodele Fayose by former Kano State Governor, Ibrahim Shekarau was put in place to ensure peace and stability of not only Ekiti state but the entire country.
The law to a reasonable extent, according to the traditional ruler who is a member, Board of Trustees of the cattle rearers association has helped in reducing to the barest minimum the herdsmen and farmers clashes in both the state and the country at large.
He said: “As a member of the Board of Trustees of the Miyetti Allah in Nigeria, the Emir has deemed it necessary to convey to you the message of peace. He expresses his condolence to the victims of tragic incidences of herdsmen across the nation.
“We have lived together for centuries we have no cause at this time when unity is much desired, to end up in crisis. Emir Sanusi expressed his condolence to families of bereaved and those who lost precious belongings and urged everyone to respect the law of the land and allow peace to reign.
He also conveyed his message of commendation to governor Fayose for ensuring peace and unity and putting in place appropriate laws that are in the best interest of all parties.
“It is on record that the law put in place by the governor is the best in taking care of all parties involved. Anyone who has studied the law would know that it caters for all parties. For example, It is not new that cattle rearing is restricted to the time the governor slated as part of the laws, and our brothers, the herdsmen, know this and we urge them to ensure they strictly obey.
“We equally urge the government not to leave any stone unturned in his effort to ensure that anyone who defaults must be made to face the full wrath of the law.
“Criminal elements must be bought to book as there are criminals taking cover under certain communities or groups to perpetuate crimes. Such is unacceptable and intolerable.
“We also urge the cattle breeders association to ensure their members compiled with the laws of the land. We equally appreciate the role of the security agencies for securing the affected places. Also, we appreciate all the traditional rulers in Ekiti. We pledge our support to you all. We are not associated with any group of people not for peace.
“We urge you all present for this meeting, to convey this message of peace and oneness to everyone not present, especially all associations across the state.
“We hope to reach a peace agreement which will be signed by all parties to ensure that anyone who defaults thereafter, is dealt with accordingly,” he said.
In the same vein, National President of the Miyetyi Allah, Alhaji Muhammadu Kirowa Zuru, described governor Fayose as the true leader of Fulanis in the state.
Assuring that the meeting would put paid to menace of herdsmen in the state, he said”: This is my second visit to Ekiti State. This meeting is a powerful one that will end the crisis between farmers and herders in the state and Yorubaland as a whole. The powerful governor is true leader of his people. We are here to declare governor Fayose a peaceful leader and one who represents hope for all. We align ourselves with the anti- grazing law as made by Ekiti government because it protects the interest of all parties.
“Today I am here in Ekiti , I didn’t know governor Fayose before now, today I know you as Sarkin Fulani, there are national executive members and zonal chairmen of cattle breeders in South west. The problem is not from Ekiti but from neighbouring towns. I have asked all of them to come so that the problem can be solved once and for all.
“I assure you that this will be the beginning of solving this problem, because it is the first time we are having this rare opportunity to sit with leaders of States to discuss peace. Ogun State herdsmen challenge is greater than that of Ekiti, we have 3million Fulani herdsmen in the state,” he said.
