Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, a prominent pastoralist association, has issued a response to the recent threat made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, regarding the movement of cattle within the Nigerian capital.
The national secretary of the organization, Saleh Alhassan Kubah, conveyed their perspective to Daily Post, asserting that no one has the authority to drive away or impede the grazing of cows in the northern regions of Nigeria.
Kubah emphasized that the former Rivers state governor, Wike, should prioritize the development of the city of Abuja instead of addressing issues related to cattle. He argued that until the government provides designated grazing areas for cattle, attempting to remove herders from the FCT would be a futile endeavor. Furthermore, he noted that many of the cows seen around Abuja are owned by local elites.
Kubah stated, “Where is the grazing land in Abuja? Is it inside the buildings they will graze? The thing is, Wike is not consequential. We have seen Ortom come and go.”
He went on to explain, “So we don’t want to engage Wike, who has to take ‘Ogogoro’ [Alcoholic drink] before he goes to the office every morning.”
Kubah reiterated the need for a focus on developmental issues in Abuja, saying, “Let him deliver services in the FCT. We are waiting to see the good works he will do. You know he’s working for our party, so I can’t criticize him. He’s our minister. So I don’t want to start fighting our minister.”
He urged Wike to concentrate on addressing the needs of neglected indigenous people, particularly the Gwari people. Kubah also suggested that Wike should work on improving the living conditions in rural areas and satellite towns while providing essential amenities.
Regarding concerns about cattle grazing, Kubah questioned, “Are cows not the beauty of the Northern geography? You want to eat cows but you don’t want to see them; is it not contradictory?”
He further emphasized that cattle are integral to the northern environment, and attempts to drive them away would be unsuccessful.
Kubah advised Wike to address issues of insecurity in Abuja, emphasizing that Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore does not view the minister as a concern or obstacle to their operations.
