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In a paid advertorial in a national daily on Sunday, Local Government Administrators in Kogi State declared support for cattle colonies in the state.
In the advertorial signed by Taufiq Isa and Friday Nicodemus, the helmsmen of the 21 local councils in the state described Fulani herdsmen as wonderful people who should be accommodated in Kogi State.
The Administrators called on Kogi people to ignore campaign of division and hatred being sponsored by Senator representing Kogi West, Dino Melaye.
Read the advertorial below.
ESTABLISHMENT OF FULANI/CATTLE COLONIES IN KOGI STATE: WE STAND WITH GOVERNOR YAHAYA BELLO – ALGON KOGI STATE CHAPTER
We, the Administrators of all the 21 Local Government Areas of Kogi State, thereby state unequivocally that we stand by all the words and actions taken on our behalf by our leader, Governor Yahaya Bello, as it relates to the establishment of Fulani and cattle colonies in Kogi State.
We are in full support of the move to accommodate these wonderful people in our lands, just as we have done for several decades. As representatives of the people at the Grassroots and lovers of peace, progress and unity, we are more than willing to provide all the resources we can to make their stay and that of their cattle, comfortable and profitable.
Unlike some people, who have since lost the legitimacy and respect of their voters and have turned Abuja to their home, we recognise that this is the time to demonstrate both common sense and empathy for our fellow human beings. The Fulani People are some of the most misunderstood and isolated people on the planet; this however does not make them naturally dangerous. Yes, our people have at various times had bloody disagreements with some of them. However, we are not so cold-hearted not to take advantage of an opportunity to heal old wounds and accommodate them at their time of need. Nigeria has over many years played the role of Big Brother in Africa and provided solace, comfort and abode for refugees in war-torn countries. Kogi State is simply playing that same role today.
Our humanity, while totally devoid of selfish intent, fortunately comes with great financial and economic benefits. Nigeria consumes billions of dollars of cattle and dairy products yearly. A huge portion of the beef our people eat come from the Fulanis. The establishment of the colonies in Kogi State means we get our beef fresher and cheaper. It also gives our people a chance to participate in the value chain, providing potentially thousands of jobs. That makes sense in any way one wishes to look at it.
Our people know that Governor Yahaya Bello means very well for them and has always prioritised their safety above all else. He is the one who, in less than two years, made Kogi a safe haven for investors, travellers and residents. Kogi State is currently in the middle of a long streak, going back over 10 weeks, where no case of kidnapping or armed robbery has been reported. He, working with all the relevant security agencies, has made us safe. He has the assurances and support of the Federal Government in the regard of the establishment of the colonies and we are sure our people will be safe.
We call on all Kogites, home and abroad, to shun the campaign of division and hatred as being sponsored by Senator Dino Melaye. He should be reminded that the Abuja City, from where he is playing the drums of war, used to belong to some people before it was taken for the use of all Nigerians. The land he allegedly bought with questionable means and funds used to belong to Nigerians like himself. He should be reminded that even his lovely village of Aiyetoro Gbede plays host to a large population of Fulani people. He should also remember that he got his higher institution education, as questionable as that certificate might be, from a university built amongst Fulanis and Hausas. He should be more careful to throw stones in the marketplace.
It is most unfortunate that those that rode to power on the back of President Muhammadu Buhari’s unfathomable popularity are the ones most resistant to the change he seeks to bring. Senator Melaye has demonstrated yet again that he is the biggest mistake his people have ever made and have promised to never repeat it. In 2019, the hen will surely return to roost.
In the meantime, while INEC and illicit funds continue to deny the people their right to recall this disgrace of a senator, we humbly ask that he refrains from speaking on our behalf. His voice might be deep but his reasoning is shallow. We are uninterested in what he has to say and so should every well-meaning Nigerian.
To our Fulani Brothers and Sisters, we say ‘Welcome!’ May your stay be fruitful for both we and you.
God bless the Fulani People!
God bless Kogi State!
God bless Governor Yahaya Bello!!
God bless President Muhammadu Buhari!!!!
God bless Nigeria!!!!
Signed:
Taufiq Isa (Chairman, Kogi ALGON)
Friday Nicodemus (Secretary)
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