Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, Jigawa State governor, has insisted that the controversial Ruga settlement project for Fulani herdsmen as initiated by the president Muhammadu Buhari led administration was only suspended pending when all necessary measures are put in place, noting it is a right of the herders.
The governor said contrary to what people assume, Ruga is not a privilege, but a right, adding that, either Ruga or Ranching, the aim is to improve the general well being of not only those in the business but the general public as well.
He said cattle rearing is a businesses that provide jobs for millions of Nigerians guarantee food security and enhance income generation to governments at various levels.
“The Ruga project is not cancelled by federal government but suspended for the review and it will be implemented for the benefit of all Nigerians not only cattle rearers,” Leadership quoted him as saying. He argued that the cattle herders are Nigerians and their business is legitimate, hence it is their civil right not privilege for the country to support and provide them with enabling environment for doing the business irrespective of their tribal or geographical affiliation.