The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) had denied issuing a statement to reverse the Delta state government ban on open grazing. While denying the statement yesterday (Tuesday) in Damaturu, Secretary General of MACBAN, Usman Baba-Ngelzarma disclosed; “We’ve never issued a statement on 72-hour ultimatum for the Delta state government to reverse open grazing ban.” He said such a statement of faceless individuals is meant to create mischief between the people of Delta state and herders across the nation. He noted that members of the association are responsible with eminent personalities, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Sa’ad II as the patron of MACBAN.
“We’ll never do anything to jeopardise the peace of the country,” he said. Reacting to the press conference earlier held by the leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) Chief Edwin Clark, he said the position of the association on open grazing still remains. He therefore urged the Northern Governors to ensure the recovery of all grazing routes in the country. He noted that the Fulani herders have equal rights with all Nigerians and cannot be treated as second-class citizens.
