The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders’ Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), the umbrella body of Fulani herders has officially asked its members to leave Southern Nigeria, this is due to the general ban on open grazing placed by the 17 Southern governors after their Asaba meeting.
MACBAN argues that the governors and people of Southern Nigeria just want to frustrate their business; therefore they herders should leave since they are no more welcomed.
In a letter signed by Alhaji Sadiq Ibrahim Ahmed, the Chairman of the Bauchi State chapter of the group, Miyetti Allah says they are going to break away from Nigeria giving the current situation of things.
He said, ” This is a simple calculation. We are heading for secession. The rulers are no longer interested in the people. If some people are banned from open grazing, there is nothing more. Fulani people should move out from there. It is very simple.
” Must we transport the cattle there? I have said it before. We have an option of breeding our cattle here (North). We are peace lovers. Let them come and buy from us. It is some people’ s fault.
” The Southern governors can do that. There is no problem, let them do what they want. If the Northern governors feel like, they can ban open grazing. We don’ t care.
The letter accused President Buhari of not knowing what’ s going in the country, that people just do what they like and the President is not in control.
Therefore they called on the president to vacate the exalted office so that someone who can sacrifice his life for the country.
“The President is there as a figurehead. He doesn’ t know what he’ s doing. He is not controlling anybody. In our country now, everyone does what he feels like. The country is already moving apart. Where is the central government, if some governors can meet and take decisions that are against the Constitution?
” We also call on the President to step aside or for Nigerians to put heads together and elect a credible president in 2023, a leader with focus and competence. Nigeria should get a leader with a good example, who is ready to sacrifice his life for his subjects. “
