We are not at war with Fulani in Benue – Governor Ortom

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has dispelled beliefs in some quarters that Benue State is at war with Fulani herders because of anti-graIng law put in place by his administration.

He said he was ready to offer land to any Fulani herders who intends to do livestock business through ranching in the State.

The governor stressed that Fulani herders have been living with Benue people for long in peace, but insisted that the anti-grazing law would be implemented to the fullest and land is only available to those willing to do ranching business which he said, is the practice the world over.

Ortom spoke at the 72nd birthday of Prof. Iyorwuese Hagher, former Nigerian Ambassador to Mexico, in Abuja while dismissing the notion in quarters that he is on war path with Fulani cattle rearers.

Speaking on behalf of the governor at the event, the State Commissioner of Education, Dennis Ityavyar, said: ”The Tiv people are historically the friends of the Fulanis and I like to submit that, that friendship still exists.

“And so, I warn those people, who are either using politics or those who are criminals and trying to sell what’s wrong to people.

”His Excellency, Governor Samuel Ortom has explained again and again that we, Benue people are not against Fulani. We’re still friends.

”He has taken a decision now to be deliberate in explaining to people that the establishment of the anti-open grazing bill or law is a very progressive idea which is done in almost all countries of the world.

”Those who have a lot of cattle are still using ranching, and any Fulani person who wants to establish a ranching in Benue will have the land. Even if our ‘Chairman’ wants to start a ranch, he will get the land today.

”We will give you land and start the ranching today, so that people will see it as model and wherever we go, we want to correct the impression because if you read history, you will see that we have always been friends with Fulani.”

The celebrant who is a Professor of Theatre for Development speaking with journalists after the programme called on well.meaning Nigerians to speak truth to power at all times.

He said those scared of speaking the truth to power can do that through Nollywood actors, who will put up the stories in acting and present it to the leaders in parable.