Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state has consolidated his resolve on banning open cattle grazing in Benue state.

Speaking to newsmen in Abuja state house, following a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari on attacks and the security situation in Benue state, the Governor told newsmen that no amount of intimidation, lobbying or opposition will make him relent on his ban on open air grazing in Benue state by November 1st (i..e, the date of implementation).

He confirmed that he has directed security forces to deal decisively with all people who have been working to scuttle his directive. Particularly the Fulani socio-cultural association, Miyetti Allah Kauta.

On his mission at the Villa, Ortom said: “I came to brief Mr. President about the security situation in my state and about the threat by Miyetti Allah that have even taken us to court; the threat that they will make the Anti-Open Grazing Act impossible for the people of Benue State.”

Speaking further on the attacks on Benue farmers, he said “Those who want to stay in Benue State and do cattle business must ranch their cattle. This is what we are saying. As far as we are concerned, the law is not targeted at any individual, group of people or any ethnic group. It is meant to protect everyone living in Benue State.

“Miyetti Allah has taken us to court and we are there with them. But I do not see how they will come and over run Benue and make it ungovernable— it is unacceptable. “If you want to bring confusion, I want to assure you that I have directed the security men to arrest those people.

I am calling for the arrest of the leadership of Miyetti Allah, to be prosecuted to serve as a deterrent. “We have for a long time celebrated impunity in this country and cannot continue like that. And so if they come out with this kind of threat— the evidence are there— they did a world press conference; so what are the security agencies doing? These people must be penalised.” The governor said he has made land available for ranches and asked interested persons to apply.

ViewPointNigeria Analysis

This decisive action by Governor Ortom, demonstrates strong leadership and strength of character. It shows that he is willing to confront problems head on, regardless of whether the decision he has taken is popular with President Buhari or not. He has demonstrated to all Benue citizens that his allegiance is with them and not to President Buhari or hinged on political benefits/calculations.

Contrast this with Plateau. Plateau is still grappling with the insincerity of calling-out the identity of the attacks (afraid of the political cost of doing so). Plateau lacks the confidence, mettle, resolve  and where-without to confront Buhari and challenge him to action. Plateau remains timid, subservient and without much confidence to act on issues plaguing it. It continues to sweep things under the carpet and mask the real extent of the problem by not revealing the identities of the attackers. Plateau even attempted to gazette large swathes of its lands to a grazing reserves policy (except for the massive opposition we mustered).

Plateau’s timid attitude may stem from what happened to Chief Joshua Dariye – when a state of emergency was declared during his administration for similar happenings. And of course with Lalong as speaker at the time, it appears this has grossly affected his political psyche and confidence.

The above analysis, tells the tale of two states faced with the same problem – but shows how the two are dealing with it in radically different ways. One confronts it head long, the other tries to just manage it……..even at the expense of the loss of lives.

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Gov Ortom schools PLSG on how to end attacks by banning open cattle grazing