After Public Outcry, Buhari Suspends RUGA Settlement Projects

After Public Outcry, Buhari Suspends RUGA Settlement Projects

Buhari suspends RUGA: Following public outcry on the RUGA Settlement Projects, proposed by the Federal government, President Muhammadu Buhari is said to have suspended the idea pending further notice.

Ruga was an idea designed to stem the tide of herdsmen/farmers clashes across the country

In a report by This Day, the president, after consultations with stakeholders gathered, has resolved to put away the idea for a thorough review and well acceptable approach to the menace constituted to national security by the constant clashes between herdsmen and farmers.

A presidency source that hinted at this development, said the announcement would be made any moment from now with detailed explanations, going forward.

The suspension is coming days after the Imo State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, threatened to drag President Muhammadu Buhari to the United Nations should he continue with his RUGA policy for herdsmen in the country, Vanguard reports.

Prior to the suspension, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu in Abuja, explained in a statement that RUGA would be a project that would not only benefit the herdsmen, but everyone involved in animal husbandry.

The statement had read, partly:

“The Presidency wishes to draw attention to recent unhelpful comments regarding the plan to stop roaming of cattle herders with the attendant clashes with farmers.

“RUGA Settlement” that seeks to settle migrant pastoral families simply means rural settlement in which animal farmers, not just cattle herders, will be settled in an organized place with provision of necessary and adequate basic amenities such as schools, hospitals, road networks, vet clinics, markets and manufacturing entities that will process and add value to meats and animal products. “Beneficiaries will include all persons in animal husbandry, not only Fulani herders.