Ruga: Don’t heat up the polity, Arewa Consultative Forum warns

Godwin Isenyo, Kaduna

Following the suspension of the Ruga programme by the Federal Government, the Arewa Consultative Forum has cautioned Nigerians against heating up the polity.

Specifically, the pan-Northern body said all Nigerians irrespective of their positions, should restrain from taking decisions that are inimical to peace and unity of the country.

The ACF through its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Muhammad Ibrahim-Biu in a statement in Kaduna on Saturday, also noted that it shared the concern of the Coalition of Northern Groups, who gave the Federal Government, an ultimatum to reverse its decision on Ruga.

The Forum said, “The Federal Government has put on hold the Ruga Settlement program, that it was inconsistent with the National Livestock Transformation Plan approved by the National Economic Council.

Moreover, the program was designed as a voluntary (project) for willing state governments. Arewa Consultative Forum, therefore, urges all concerned to exercise restraint in taking actions that may be inimical to peace and stability in our polity.

“ACF also shares the concern of the Coalition of the Northern Groups on the plight of genuine herdsmen in pursuit of their livelihood in some parts of the country.

“ACF therefore appeals to government to institute measures that would ameliorate the suffering of not only herders but all those involved in the value chain of livestock production.”

Source: https://punchng.com/ruga-dont-heat-up-the-polity-arewa-consultative-forum-warns/