FG cannot impose RUGA on any state in Nigeria! By Femi Falana SAN
It is being rumoured that the federal government has concluded arrangements to build RUGA or cattle colony in each state of the federation. As usual, the federal government has not denied the embarrassing story.
However, it is pertinent to point out that the Supreme Court has held that the entire land in each state of the federation is vested in the governor. As far as the Land Use Act is concerned the federal government has no control over any land outside the federal capital territory.
Therefore, Nigerians should rest assured that the federal government cannot forcefully acquire any land for RUGA or ranch in any state without the consent of the governor.
In the 1st republic, the awolowo regime had a ranch at akunnu (ondo state), ahmadu bello regime had a ranch in mokwa (niger state) while the azikwe regime had obudu cattle ranch (cross river state). In the 2nd republic, Gov Ajasin built a dairy farm in Ikun (Ekiti state). All the ranches were ruined by former military dictators. Today, the south west consumes 10,000 heads of cattle daily. Lagos alone consumes about 6,000. What stops the oodua group from setting up a ranch to supply meat in the south west? The meat sold by shoprite (in 25 mauls) is prepared in an abbatoir in Ikenne, ogun state.
Femi Falana SAN
ME:
Femi Falana, SAN is spot on here.
Ekiti already has a ranch – even ranches – and should embrace any other solutions that will ensure:
(1). Availability of Beef (cow) , mutton (sheep) and chevon (goat) meat
(2) employment of Ekiti people in the meat value chain
(3) free trade for other peaceful Nigerians
No sentiments. All these ethnic-cum-trade demonizations are completely unnecessary. Hatred blinds from opportunity.
I thank you.