The Federal Government deemed it fit to suspended the implementation of Ruga settlement initiative because it was not consistent with the National Executive Council (NEC) and Federal Government’s approved National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP).
A communique singed by the chairman Adamawa State Livestock Transformation Committee, Professor Alikidon Ambros Voh released after NEC committee on farmers/herders crisis met on Wednesday at the presidential villa noted that the president suspended the programme because it was initiated and implemented alone by the federal ministry of agriculture.
“Members are aware that Mr. President has suspended the implementation of RUGA programme initiated and implemented alone by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources because it is not consistent with the NEC and FGN approved NLTP which has programmes of rehabilitation of displaced IDPs within crisis States and development of Ranching in any willing State of the federation,” Voh disclosed.
The committee which was chaired by Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo comprised of notable Nigerians including Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State who is the Chairman of the NEC-Sub Technical Committee on Farmers/Herders crisis, Governor of Kebbi State who is the Vice Chairman of Food Security Council and Governor of Plateau State.
Others are: Deputy Governor of Adamawa State, Crowther Seth, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President; office of the Vice President, Permanent Secretary; Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dr. Andrew Kwasali-Secretary of the NEC-Sub Technical Committee on Farmers/Herders Crisis and Director in the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Prof Alikidon Ambros Voh.
Voh said one good feature of NLTP is that it is voluntary to all the 36 states who may like to participate.
“Any state that is interested in NLTP is required to bring development plan in line with NLTP for implementation in the State which will be unique to the State based on the challenges of the State.
“This should put to rest the controversy and controversial so-called “Ruga Settlement Initiative in line with our SLTPO Committee with my humble self as Chairman,” Voh noted.
