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Benue Assembly Rejects Ruga Settlement
Benue State House of Assembly has condemned recent plans by the Federal Government to establish Ruga settlements across the country.
The Speaker of the Assembly, Honourable Titus Uba, at a media briefing, informed journalists that contrary to the claims that it would stop open-grazing by herdsmen and end the herders-farmers crisis, the FG has no constitutional powers to allocate land for the establishment of Ruga-Fulani settlements.
According to him, “It is with deep sense of patriotism and genuine concern for the welfare of the people of Benue state that I rise to condemn in strong terms, recent plans by the Federal Government to establish a Ruga settlement across the country which has been approved by President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration which the FG claimed, will stop open grazing by Herdsmen and end herders/farmers crisis across the country.
“I hereby clearly state that the FG cannot freely allocate land for the establishment of Ruga Fulani settlement in Benue state and the Benue State Government will not give out the land for the Ruga initiative; even as there is inadequate land to meet the farming needs of the agrarian communities in the state.”
Honourable Uba also stated that the position of the state Assembly, while showing support to the full implementation of the open grazing law.
“Therefore, the 9th Benue State House of Assembly as a parliament condemns in totality plans by any individual, group of the Federal Government to allocate any portion of land within the Benue territory for such a questionable project, instead support the full implementation of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law 2017 as ranching remains global best practice.
“I hereby categorically state that the BSHA reject the move for Fulani Ruga settlement in Benue state, and instead, support the full implementation of the open grazing prohibition and ranches establishment law 2017, as ranching remains a global best practice.
“Benue House is 100% in support of Governor Samuel Ortom and the people of the state on the enforcement of the anti-open grazing law as a panacea for ending herders/farmers conflict”, he continued.
Youths from various Benue communities on Friday protested against the planned Ruga Farm settlement in the state.
The youths claimed that the planned Ruga settlement for herders violates Open Grazing Law in the state and will instigate more violent clashes between farmers and herders in the state.
Former Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Adeolu Akande, has extended warm felicitations to Barrister Sarafadeen Ali, the Senator representing Oyo South Senatorial district, on the occasion of his 61st birthday.
In a statement released on Saturday in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, on Saturday, Akande lauded the lawmaker, describing him as a luminary whose life has been marked by distinguished service to the nation.
“Today, I join the world in celebrating you on your special day, as you mark 61 years of God’s abundant love and glorious impact on humanity,” the former NCC gaffer expressed.
He added, “I wish you many more years of God’s grace in your life.”
The headquarters of Heritage Bank at Victoria Island, Lagos, was besieged on Thursday by members of the labour union, protesting the recent dismissal of 1,000 support workers.
The National President of the National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees, Comrade Anthony Abakpa, led the demonstration, condemning the bank’s management for what he deemed a lack of adherence to due process in the termination of employment contracts.
Speaking during the protest, Comrade Abakpa asserted that the leadership of Heritage Bank failed to follow established protocols before executing the mass layoffs.
He emphasised the union’s commitment to pursuing justice for the affected workers, vowing to escalate their demands until the bank’s management rectifies the situation.
“We will intensify our demands for justice,” declared Comrade Abakpa, urging the bank’s management to take corrective action to address the grievances of the dismissed workers.
The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, clarified that Nigeria is not utilising its foreign reserves to bolster the naira, despite recent fluctuations in reserve levels.
Speaking from Washington DC, where he is attending the International Monetary Fund-World Bank Spring Meetings, Cardoso highlighted the influx of $600 million into Nigeria’s reserves account within the past two days.
While the naira has experienced a notable appreciation against the dollar in recent weeks, climbing over 40% from approximately N1,900/$ to about N1,000/$1, Nigeria’s foreign reserves have been dwindling. As of April 15, reserves dropped to approximately $32.29 billion, marking the lowest level in over six years.
Cardoso emphasised that the shifts in reserves are typical for any country, where various financial obligations, such as debt repayments, necessitate withdrawals.
He stated, “What you’ve seen with respect to the shift in our reserves is normal in any country’s reserves where, for example, debts are due and certain payments need to be made. They are made because that is also part of keeping your credibility.”
Continuing, Cardoso underscored the dynamic nature of the market, advocating for a system driven by willing buyers, willing sellers, and price discovery.
He emphasised, “The shift in our reserves has really little or nothing to do with defending the naira, and that is certainly not our objective.”
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