FG Suspends Ruga Programme

The Federal Government has suspended further implementation of the Ruga programme for the settlement of herders in set out layouts across the country it emerged on Wednesday afternoon.

A press statement was yet to be issued on the development but Presidential Spokesman, Mallam Garba Shehu confirmed the development telling GWG that he was aware of the suspension.

“The governors of Ekiti, Ebonyi and Plateau State are at this moment meeting with the vice-president” Shehu told GWG. A final statement on the development will be issued by the governors after the meeting it was learnt.

The programme has lately divided the country with many critics alleging it was a programme to grab land from indigenous populations to give to the Fulani.

Presidential spokesman, Mallam Garba Shehu had, however, rebuffed the claim in a statement where he said:

“Ruga Settlement” that seeks to settle migrant pastoral families simply means rural settlement in which animal farmers, not just cattle herders, will be settled in an organized place with provision of necessary and adequate basic amenities such as schools, hospitals, road networks, vet clinics, markets and manufacturing entities that will process and add value to meats and animal products.

Beneficiaries will include all persons in animal husbandry, not only Fulani herders.”

 And For More Nigerian News Visit GWG.NG