The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, has said Fulani herdsmen should obey the Anti-Open Grazing Law in states where it is in force in the interest of peace of the country.
Sanusi said this in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State capital, at meetings with security agencies and interest groups.
The monarch who is a patron of MACBAN, represented by former Kano State Governor and Sardauna of Kano, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau said the law was in the interest of everybody and not targeted at herdsmen.
The meeting, which was hosted by Governor Ayo Fayose at the Government House Pavilion, was attended by the National President of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Muhammadu Kiruwa.
Security chiefs from the police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Security Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Army, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Prison Services (NPS), Nigeria Immigration Service (NPS) and local hunters attended the meeting.
Also present were leaders of herdsmen in the Southwest, leaders of Hausa and Fulani communities, farmers, traditional rulers and top government functionaries.
He said: “My mission is not politics; it is about peace and peaceful coexistence of our nation. I am standing here for the Emir and I am the Sardauna of Kano.
“The Emir mandated me to come here with the leadership of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association and find out how we can work amicably. He feels that as a patron of the group, he must ensure peace. He praised Governor Fayose for promoting peace.
“The law Governor Fayose enacted is the best to defend the rights of farmers and cattle breeders. Whoever crosses the red line should be dealt with, as the law provides. Breeders should obey the rules of the communities they reside.
“I am really impressed with the governor for organising this meeting. Some state governors would just sit in their offices and not being proactive like Governor Fayose.
“Some misconceptions that I personally had against the governor have been cleared now.
“I can say it categorically that Governor Fayose is a true leader of his people. He is definitely a lover of all groups, including the Fulani. I can say he is the Sarkin Fulani of Ekiti State.
“He is a peaceful leader and represents hope for all. We align ourselves with the grazing law, as made by the Ekiti State government because it protects the interest of all parties.”
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