Former head of state General Yakubu Gowon has re-iterated that Grazing Reserves will not solve the constant clashes between herdsmen and farmers in Nigeria. He spoke during the synod lecture/award of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, Oleh Diocese, held at St. Paul’s Church, Araya, Isoko South local government area of Delta State.

The event was put together by the diocesan Bishop John U. Aruakpor. Gowon, in a lecture delivered by Professor Jerry Gana, a former minister for information and culture, said grazing reserve was not the answer, emphasizing that there is no free land anywhere as it belongs to various communities.

He stressed that taking somebody else land and donating it to another person is inhuman, noting that land matters are very sensitive matters anywhere in the world. ” We must be fair, just and equitable in land administration in the local government and Nation at large” emphasizing that injustice leads to violent and protests. He urged the federal government to ensure fairness, justice and equity, adding that the matter must be resolved now.

Gowon enjoined Christians to unite and be truthful to their neighbors, noting that Christians are members of one body and quoted Ephesians 4: 25. He emphasized that in winning together, we must come together as one family in our church, community, local government, State and the Nation. He said, ” if we must win together, there must be another look at the National conference held in 2014 and find solution to the problem facing our Nation”.

He reiterated that the federal structure must be fair, balanced and equitable, noting that power must be shared between the federating units and the center. Gowon said:” Resolving fiscal federalism must be on revenue mobilization, allocation and control of who gets what, where and how much is fundamental and important for the people to live together in peace”.

He said security and welfare of the people is the primary responsibility of the government, adding that matters of community people must be given urgent attention as life is very important. He condemned the killing of innocent lives in various parts of Nigeria.

Gowon said the implementation of the National Conference six hundred resolutions for accurate structuring and equal distribution of recourses was imperative, noting that the sanctity of human lives is very important and urged all for peaceful co-existence in Nigeria.

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Gowon says Grazing Reserves Not a Solution to Herdsmen Menace