By Zara Maisango
In a recent development, the Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC), the apex Igbo socio-cultural youth organization, has firmly opposed the creation of the Ministry of Livestock by the Nigerian government led by President Bola Tinubu. The council, through its National President General, Igboayaka Igboayaka, has described the initiative as a potential "tribal time bomb" poised to ignite severe ethnic conflict.
Speaking to journalists in Enugu, Igboayaka urged President Tinubu to abandon the proposed ministry, warning that it could spark violent clashes between the Fulani and other ethnic groups across the country. He drew parallels to former President Muhammadu Buhari’s controversial RUGA settlement plans, which faced strong opposition from various Nigerian communities.
Igboayaka criticized the recent inauguration of the Presidential Committee on Implementation of Livestock Reforms, stating it was a guise to revive RUGA policies. He argued that while the committee aims to enhance agricultural productivity and create opportunities within the livestock sector, its underlying intention is to reintroduce RUGA through the back door.
Highlighting the historical tensions between Yoruba farmers and Fulani herders, Igboayaka contended that the establishment of a livestock ministry would further exacerbate these conflicts, posing a significant threat to Yoruba farmers. He asserted that the same cabals pushing for the ministry have been advocating for RUGA since the administrations of Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari.
Igboayaka also criticized the creation of government ministries or agencies that cater to the interests of specific ethnic groups rather than the national interest. He warned that the Ministry of Livestock, driven by the Miyetti Allah cattle breeders association, is a strategic attempt by Fulani political elites to seize lands under the guise of agricultural development.
The OYC president vowed that the people of the South-East would vehemently resist any form of cattle colony intended to serve Fulani herders' interests. He called on other ethnic groups, particularly those in the Middle Belt, to join in opposing the implementation of the livestock reforms.
In his concluding remarks, Igboayaka emphasized that the OYC would not back down in its resistance, promising to protect Igbo land from what he termed as institutionalized land grabbing disguised as agricultural reform.
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