By OFFOR CALLISTUS, Abuja –
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has called on the Federal Government to ignore Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue’s request for the proscription of the association.
NATIONAL ACCORD had reported that Governor Ortom through a statement issued on Thursday, had asked President Muhammadu Buhari to be bold enough to go a step further and declare Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and Fulani Nationality Movement (FUNAM) as terrorist organisations just as it has done to other groups.
The governor, who was reacting to the interview President Buhari granted Channels Television Wednesday, January 5th, 2022 insisted that the step taken by the federal government now would go a long way to contain the atrocities of the criminals and give citizens opportunities to go about their legitimate businesses unmolested .
According to the governor, “even though the federal government’s measures on bandits now seems strong, the security challenges will only be adequately addressed if similar hard position is taken on Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, MACBAN and the Fulani Nationality Movement (FUNAM) who have vowed and continued to cause mayhem in Benue State and other parts of the country because of the anti-grazing laws.”
The Governor went on, “for us in Benue State, the law has come to stay. It is irrevocable. In fact, we have maintained our position that Benue State has no grazing routes, reserves or areas so whatever. It was enacted in good faith for peace and order in the state. It was done among other things to end the incessant farmers/herdsmen clashes in the state.”
Meanwhile, reacting in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja, The National Secretary of MACBAN, Alhaji Baba Ngelzarma countered Governor Ortom’s stance, saying: “We are not at all surprised at the recent call by Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue State for the proscription of our association (MACBAN) going by his antecedents,” he said.
Alhaji Ngelzatma alleged that Ortom’s hatred for the Fulani was not in doubt, adding that “he has proved beyond reasonable doubt that he is an unreliable leader.
“Whose stock in trade is fanning the embers of hatred between peaceful Nigerians that have been living in peace for many centuries.
“We, therefore, call on the Federal Government to ignore this unpatriotic call by a wayward Governor who is hell bend on putting this country into unnecessary crisis,” Ngelzarma said.
The national secretary said the association had contributed to peace building in Benue, adding that MACBAN spared no efforts in helping the good people of the state to live in peace with the pastoralists.
“MACBAN is not and will never be a terrorist organisation.
“We are fully registered with the regulatory agencies with clear vision and mission to foster peaceful coexistence to our teeming members as well as serving humanity positively.”
Ngelzarma however advised Ortom to “concentrate on delivering the dividends of democracy to the good people of Benue” instead of chasing phantom shadows.
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