Seventy two hours after the Federal Government suspended the plan to build Ruga settlements in some states in Nigeria, Gombe Governor, Muhammad Yahaya, has expressed disappointment with the decision.
He has therefore said despite the suspension, Gombe will continue continue with its implementation, because “to us is very good initiatives.”
The Chairman of the National Food Security/Herders/Farmers Conflict, Dave Umahi had said that the suspension is owing to lack of consistency with the National Economic Council (NEC) and FG approved national livestock transformation plan which has programme of rehabilitation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) resulting from the crisis and development of ranching in any willing state.
Yahaya said this Friday after a closed door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja
The Governor was responding to a question from State House Correspondents.
According to him, his state had 200,000 hectares ready to donate to the federal government for the project, adding that the pastoralists deserves our sympathy as the conflict is also affecting them.
Yahaya who spoke to Hausa Service said: “I want you to know that any policy federal government initiated, Gombe State is ready to key in because present administration’s policies are meant for the development of this country.
“For instance, on the issue of Ruga pilot scheme, I said in Gombe we have more than 200,000 hectares set aside for herdsmen use. So, if other States rejected the pilot scheme, we have no reason to reject it rather to even demand for its implementation to be…”
Asked if he is ready to join if it is reintroduced, he said: “Up till date, I’m yet to come to terms with the fact that the pilot scheme has been suspended. We are going to continue with it, because to us is very good initiatives. Considering the hardship our brother and sister (Herdsmen), are now facing, we need to find a lasting solution for them, so, as to save their lives because they are Nigerians.”
The on the purpose of his visit, he said it was a solidarity visit and to give update on the situation of the state.
He said his administration will witness good governance, service delivery to the people.
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