TheCable

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti has asked Kayode Fayemi, governor of the state, not to channel government funds into the creation of cattle ranches for private business owners.

In a bid to tackle the farmers/herders crisis, the state government had, on Monday, announced a ban on open grazing.

Akin Omole, the state’s commissioner for information and value orientation, had also said alternative methods are being considered to promote modern agricultural systems and promote peaceful coexistence.

“We reiterate that in consonance with the recent Akure peace meeting and joint communiqué issued between the south-west governors and the Miyetti Allah, open/night grazing and underage herding remain banned in Ekiti state,” Omole had said.

“The state is also making alternative arrangements for enclosed grazing/ranching under the National Livestock Transformation Plan in the state.

“Similarly, in line with Mr President’s recent directive, anyone armed with automatic weapons found in Ekiti forests will be considered a dangerous criminal and treated accordingly by security operatives.”

Reacting in a statement on Tuesday, Raphael Adeyanju, the PDP publicity secretary in Ekiti, commended the move to end open grazing, but added that the government must not cede any part of Ekiti to appease “troublesome elements”.

“The attention of Ekiti Chapter of the PDP has been drawn to the plan of the Fayemi’s government to create ranches for herders in Ekiti State. We can describe this as a welcome development as long as no government fund is expended on a private business,” the statement reads.

“We in the PDP regard cow rearing as lucrative business. [Aside from] the Fulani, many indigenes of Ekiti also engage in the business. They should be encouraged to engage in modern ranching.

“We are, however, opposed to Fayemi’s attempt to play politics with Ekiti destiny because of his inordinate ambition. He has no right to cede any portion of Ekiti to appease some troublesome elements of the society.”