Buhari suspends RUGA
Buhari suspends Ruga settlements for herdsmen after public outcry.
President Muhammadu Buhari has reportedly suspended the implementation of Rural Grazing Areas (RUGA) initiative for herdsmen.
Mr Buhari had approved the measure as a solution to herders and farmers clashes across the country.
The initiative when made public drew criticism with many alleging it was a plan to take away the ancestral lands of Nigerians.
What further fuelled the criticism is a sequel alarm raised by former president Olusegun Obasanjo that the incumbent administration is out to Islamize and Fulanise the nation.
Some of the critics cited the recent establishment of Fulani radio station and the Ruga initiative as case study.
State governors particularly from the southern part of the country rejected the plan. Some suggested that the initiative be established in the North while the South grow grass and send to the settlements in exchange of cows for consumption.
The government who said the initiative is optional for interested states has reportedly suspended the plan till further notice.
This may not be unconnected to the public outcry that greeted it.
Quoting its anonymous sources, Thisday Newspaper said it got wind of the information from the Presidential Villa, Abuja.