Farmers and herdsmen in Enugu State have produced a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to streamline their operations and spell out conflict resolution conditions to promote lasting peace in the state.
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Michael Eneh, who chaired the meeting of the parties in Enugu recently, said that the MoU became necessary as the people prepared for a new farming season.
Eneh underscored the need for farmers and herdsmen to understand each other, while having a template for their operations and the resolution of conflicts that could arise in the course of their interactions.
“Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi is a man of peace and justice, who wants everybody to be treated fairly.
“He has directed that this meeting and other series of meetings should be held to find out amicable and lasting solutions to any form of crisis between farmers and herdsmen in the state.
“It is also timely because we have come out with a template or document that would act as a guide to all agriculturists, as the farming season progresses.
“With the operational guidelines spelt out and channel of communication opened, we would as well know how aggrieved farmers or herdsmen would be settled.
“I am assuring that this MoU, when finalised and signed, would help to maintain the existing peace in the state,’’ he said.
The commissioner, however, urged the heads of the groups of farmers and herdsmen to study the draft MoU and think of amendments to the document before its signing at the next consultative meeting.
In his remark, Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria in the South-East, Alhaji Gidado Siddiki said that the association supported the MoU initiative.
He said that the initiative would help to eliminate open confrontations between farmers and herdsmen.
Siddiki said that he had been in the vanguard of educating members of his association on the need to eschew violence in settling disputes.
He said that he had always advised them to forward complaints about their grievances to the police and the association’s executive committee for redress and compensation for any perceived injustice.
“Violence never settles any issue; this MoU will create understanding and fairness on issues surrounding herdsmen and farmers in the state,’’ he said.
Chief Alfred Eneh, Chairman of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Enugu State, said that the MoU would bring succour to farmers, particularly those whose farmlands were destroyed by the herdsmen’s cattle.
He said that he was happy about the evolving understanding and trust between herdsmen and farmers; adding that the MoU, when signed, would further consolidate the existing co-operation.
Chief Cornell Onwubuya, Chairman of Pasturalists and Farmers Peace Commission, thanked the farmers and herdsmen for subscribing to the MoU.
Onwubuya, who is also the Caretaker Chairman of Uzo-Uwani Local Government Council, also lauded the Ugwuanyi-administration for its efforts to promote peace in the state.