Speaking from the standpoint of the constitution, Falana, in a terse statement, said, “Our attention has been drawn to the report that the federal government has concluded arrangements to build RUGA or cattle colony in each state of the federation.

“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.”

Going back history lane, Falana said, “In the First 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 Second Republic, Governor Ajasin built a dairy farm in Ikun (Ekiti State), but 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 malls) is prepared in an abattoir in Ikenne, Ogun State.”

In separate interviews, President of Middle Belt Forum (MBF), Dr. Pogu Bitrus, Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Mr. Yinka Odumakin, and Senior Special Assistant to the Taraba State Governor, Mr. Bala Dan Abu, all described Ruga as an obnoxious idea being foisted on Nigeria by the federal government.

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