By Amuda Dan Sulaiman Fab
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN) said Bola Tinubu reconciled the Fulani communities in Benue when he was governor of Lagos State.
The association stated this after its meeting at the Agricultural and Rural Management Training Institute, Abuja, on Sunday.
The meeting drew Fulani leaders from the 36 states and the FCT Abuja.
However, the convener of the meeting and one-time Chairman of the Jigawa chapter of MACBAN, Alhaji Ya’u Haruna, noted that if Tinubu could do that at the time, he can do more.
He said: “We are also scanning the people showing interest in the presidential seat with Bola Tinubu leading because he was the one that intervened in our matter while he was governor of Lagos and we had a crisis in Benue.
“Tinubu came all the way, got us on a round table, and reconciled us, so, someone who could do this at that time, we believe can do more when he is at the helms of affairs.”
Haruna noted that the Fulani communities are now being enlightened on the 2023 general elections, on security, and how to live in peace with themselves and their neighbors.
He also added that the Fulani are ready to join politics in order to get back their grazing routes.
Haruna said: “Most of our grazing reserves have been taken over by those in power, to get these back, we have to also join politics and even contest for elective positions.
“Already and following our effort in sensitizing our people, many now have their PVC cards and are only waiting for the election time.
Haruna also spoke about the image of the Fulani extraction in Nigeria.
He said they are now seen as criminals even though many of them are not criminals.
He said: “We are not in any way saying there are no criminals that engage in kidnapping, cattle rustling, banditry, and other crimes, but it must also be known that a larger percentage of our people live peacefully and conduct their legitimate businesses.
“We want to partner the federal, state governments and foreign donor organizations to establish schools so that our youths can be educated and put their knowledge to gainful use for national benefit.”
