Ruga settlement: Shehu Sani, Falana others react to suspension

Senator Shehu Sani and Femi Falana have both reacted to the suspension of Ruga settlement plan by the Federal Government.

Senator Sani saw the suspension as a move to avoid grave consequences that may follow it if executed.

On his twitter handle on Wednesday, the senator said “the suspension of the Ruga program is defusing a landmine”.

Falana called for the changing of the term Ruga to “ranching”, adding that the plan should be funded by the state government and individuals.

He, however, added that the Federal Government must also step in to offer assistance.

Falana said that ranching has been President Muhammadu Buhari’s choice as far back as 2016, adding that Ruga was only introduced by the fifth columnist of the administration.

He said: “As far back as 2016 the Buhari administration had opted for ranching.

“Ranching has also been adopted by the National Livestock Policy of the Buhari administration. What is now left is for the immediate implementation of the ranching programme.

“RUGA should not just be suspended but cancelled completely by the Federal Government. It should be replaced with ranching funded by state governments and individual stakeholders with the assistance of the Federal Government.

“However, if the Federal Government is interested in establishing ranches in the states, it should apply for building approval from the state governments because the Supreme Court has held that physical planning is not in the exclusive legislative list.”

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo, praised the Federal Government for suspending the proposed Ruga settlement plan in the country. The commendation was contained in a statement by the president general of the organisation, Nnia Nwodo.