The permanent expansionist threat of the Fulani

In their quest to entrench their expansionist plot through a policy that would be given statutory backing, they tried to impose on us an antiquated concept called GRAZING RESERVES, but Governor Samuel Ortom, spurred by the unanimity of the Benue people’s dissent, killed it;

They retreated, regrouped, re-organised and despatched one of our own to sell the idea of a CATTLE COLONY, but that too couldn’t escape Ortom’s sword;

Furthermore, they sat back, plotted and hurriedly invented another settlement idea by situating land illegally acquired, erecting billboards therein, appropriating unbudgeted funds for that cause and called it RUGA, but that one too just received a technical knock-out from Governor Ortom.

We are given life to the meaning of Federalism which is the system we practiced in Nigeria, and not Unitarianism which is seemingly and silently adopted via the back door!

Now that the Ruga scheme is suspended, the same masterminds would go back to re-appraise the propositions, cross the T’s and dot the I’s, recalibrate and relaunch a more daring grazing initiative. Expectedly soon. Gracefully, right from the day it started until now, Governor Ortom – the custodian of the Benue people’s mandate, is watching and waiting, ready to maintain the status of Benue as the buckle of the middle-belt that has held Nigeria together.

Truth is, there can never be a better alternative to the Ranching Law passed in Benue. It aligns with global best practices and it is also a recipe for peace in our farming communities. We are friends to the Fulanis and every other tribe but the obvious existential threat that faces us in the form of a subtle conquest using various technical nomenclatures will not succeed. It is not about Governor Ortom. It is neither about President Buhari nor any Miyetti group, it is about Benue; her land, her people and her peace.

While the Ruga project is still under suspension, this is the right time for the federal government to conclude arrangements for the return of thousands of our people in the IDP camps back to their homes and with adequate compensation to enable them rebuild their houses, pay their children’s school fees, secure their farming implements and properly settle down after being victims of an orchestrated carnage. This is the time for the National Assembly to sponsor and pass the law for the establishment of the North Central Development Commission (which I initially tagged, “The Benue Valley Development and Security Agency” in my campaign manifesto for election to the House of Representatives). The despicable injury caused to our people and communities need adequate remedy. This is the first step forward. It is an inescapable necessity.

This too shall pass away!

#Semper Paratus#

By: Franc Utoo
From Yelewata, a village on the border line of Benue and Nasarawa states, and constantly under the threat of attack by herdsmen militia.