Opinion
Gov Ayade And Cattle Business
Page 5 of The Tide of Monday, December 6, 2021, carried a news headline: “Ayade Frowns At Anti-Open Grazing Law”. For Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State to be quoted as saying that “the anti-open grazing law which some southern states have passed based on the resolution of the Southern Governors’ Forum might lead to war in the country”, is quite ominous and sad. As a state governor, Ayade must have access to unbiased security reports, one of which was that some sponsored groups were infiltrating into Nigeria as herdsmen. Who are the sponsors?
When the cattle jinx started brewing several years ago, a few concerned Nigerians who knew what was lurking behind it, raised some issues. When the issue of Boko Haram insurgency groups became alarming, President Muhammadu Buhari attributed the phenomenon to Libyan renegades after the fall of Ghadaffi. More worrisome was the alarm raised by former President Olusegun Obasanjo about “Islamisation and Fulanisation agenda”, which some Nigerians thought was a joke. Similarly, details of Nigeria’s membership of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) remain shrouded in secrecy, despite obvious signals, rarely inspiring.
To describe anti-open grazing law as legislating “to illegitimacy, a legitimate trade of a people, the nomadic herdsmen”, is to stand legality on its head. Issue of legality rests on rights and rights are only obtained by the fulfilment of duties. To “accommodate the concerns of farmers and herders” would include accommodating the rights and duties of each group within the ambit of legality. To talk about rights, duties and legality must touch on the issue of responsibility, if sanity must prevail in society.
Almost all nomadic herdsmen in the West African zone are of the Islamic brotherhood, whether they be Fulanis or not. With nomadic and wandering lifestyle as an occupation and culture, seeing adults and children move about in search of green pastures can be a pathetic sight. Concern for such herdsmen and their sad conditions called for the policy and programmes of Nomadic Education and the creation of settlements or homes for rehabilitation purposes. Even now, the University of Jos, among others, runs a programme on Nomadic Education.
That the primitive and old-fashioned system of rearing cattle over vast expanse of lands and territories must go on without modifications in line with modern realities, smacks of retrogression and narrow-mindedness. Add this to the fact that the herders are rarely the owners of the herds of cattle which they manage, then the need for intervention becomes obvious. One can say, without mincing words, even though evidence may not be presented in “chapters and verses (as Obasanjo would demand), that over 80 per cent of herds of cattle in Nigeria are owned by highly-placed Nigerians whose children would never rear cattle. Serving and retired Generals!
Then can we not see the hypocrisy and injustice in referring to cattle rearing, via open grazing, as legitimate trade and culture which must continue unchanged? Would Governor Ayade’s grandson move with cattle from Yobe State to Obudu on foot for several days? His “herdsmen brothers of the north”, in semi-arid condition, with no grass and having no money to do irrigation, must be allowed to survive. But the crop farmer in Ikom must not disallow herds of cattle from using his farm as a green and ready pasture! An Omoku man bought a head of cattle last November for N480, 000 for Nchaka Festival.
So, Ayade’s argument of herdsmen having “no money to do irrigation” to sustain their pasture does not hold any water. The issue is not preventing anyone from green pastures; rather, the apprehension is coming from other quarters covered in hidden agenda. Surely, the governor is not unaware that herdsmen kill, rape women in farms and had been seen in possession of firearms meant for soldiers in combat. Then who is “insensitive”, creating “anarchy” and “inviting the nation into war”?; according to Ayade.
Professor Ayade’s proposed Open Grazing Management Law, meant to find a solution to the cattle Jinx, is being awaited as the law that would save Nigeria from war. In his words: “I think morally, ethically, it is unacceptable to prohibit a trade that existed before I was born. I’d rather find a way to modulate it so that it will meet the definition of modern animal farming or husbandry. I think because it’s a profession, a business, it’s also a fundamental right of people to do the business”. Does that call for doing business using ancient methods?
Anti-open grazing law as made by other governors in the South never contains any clause prohibiting any trade or fundamental right of people to do business; but rather sought to bring sanity and security in the society. If Ayade is not aware of it, let him have the hint that some people have a unique mindset that cows must eat grass wherever grass grows because it is a fundamental right. It does not matter that the grass is in somebody else’s land. This is one item in Nomadic Education curriculum, under legal aspect of modern animal husbandry. Rear your cattle, but don’t breach the law or create insecurity by invading farms with impunity!
One would enjoin Governor Ayade to consult his security advisers to ascertain whether it is true or not that movement of cattle and herders southwards was not part of strategies mapped out in some quarters for implementation. He may also be told in confidence that some power blocs cling to religion as an instrument of power politics. Therefore, the issue of anti-open grazing law goes far beyond animal husbandry or legitimate trade and business, but has some value-added contents. Those who see far try to prevent what “might lead to war in the country”, by nipping the jinx in the bud.
Those who seek diligently to perceive the footprints of the ants would be shown the signs and symptoms of possible storms. Before major upheavals occur, there are usually early warning signals which obtuse, money-minded and boisterous talkers rarely perceive. In the case of Nigeria, an early alarm raised by Obasanjo has rarely been taken as a serious issue to table for national discussion. Similarly, lamentations of T. Y. Danjuma concerning ethnic and religious cleansing, of which “the armed forces are not neutral”, fell on deaf ears. How long must we pretend that all is well?
Those who can recall the origin and trend of Afghanistan situation would see similarities going on in Nigeria. In modern democracy, religious fundamentalism often clashes with the principle of freedom or self determination. Nigeria is not a theocratic state, neither must religion be used as an instrument of power politics. Governor Ayade’s concern for cattle business should also extend towards a greater concern for peaceful coexistence fostered by justice and the rule of law. Cattle business is a private affair.
By: Bright Amirize
Dr Amirize is a retired lecturer from the Rivers State University, Port Harcourt.
The political atmosphere in Rivers State has been anything but calm in 2025. Yet, a rare moment of unity was witnessed on Saturday, June 28, when Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, appeared side by side at the funeral of Elder Temple Omezurike Onuoha, Wike’s late uncle. What could have passed for a routine condolence visit evolved into a significant political statement—a symbolic show of reconciliation in a state bruised by deep political strife.
The funeral, attended by dignitaries from across the nation, was more than a moment of shared grief. It became the public reflection of a private peace accord reached earlier at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. There, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu brought together Governor Fubara, Minister Wike, the suspended Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, and other lawmakers to chart a new path forward.
For Rivers people, that truce is a beacon of hope. But they are not content with photo opportunities and promises. What they demand now is the immediate lifting of the state of emergency declared in March 2025, and the unconditional reinstatement of Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Dr. Ngozi Odu, and all suspended lawmakers. They insist on the restoration of their democratic mandate.
President Tinubu’s decision to suspend the entire structure of Rivers State’s elected leadership and appoint a sole administrator was a drastic response to a deepening political crisis. While it may have prevented a complete breakdown in governance, it also robbed the people of their voice. That silence must now end.
The administrator, retired naval chief Ibok-Ette Ibas, has managed a caretaker role. But Rivers State cannot thrive under unelected stewardship. Democracy must return—not partially, not symbolically, but fully. President Tinubu has to ensure that the people’s will, expressed through the ballot, is restored in word and deed.
Governor Fubara, who will complete his six-month suspension by September, was elected to serve the people of Rivers, not to be sidelined by political intrigues. His return should not be ceremonial. It should come with the full powers and authority vested in him by the constitution and the mandate of Rivers citizens.
The people’s frustration is understandable. At the heart of the political crisis was a power tussle between loyalists of Fubara and those of Wike. Institutions, particularly the State House of Assembly, became battlegrounds. Attempts were made to impeach Fubara. The situation deteriorated into a full-blown crisis, and governance was nearly brought to its knees.
But the tide must now turn. With the Senate’s approval of a record ?1.485 trillion budget for Rivers State for 2025, a new opportunity has emerged. This budget is not just a fiscal document—it is a blueprint for transformation, allocating ?1.077 trillion for capital projects alone. Yet, without the governor’s reinstatement, its execution remains in doubt.
It is Governor Fubara, and only him, who possesses the people’s mandate to execute this ambitious budget. It is time for him to return to duty with vigor, responsibility, and a renewed sense of urgency. The people expect delivery—on roads, hospitals, schools, and job creation.
Rivers civil servants, recovering from neglect and under appreciation, should also continue to be a top priority. Fubara should continue to ensure timely payment of salaries, address pension issues, and create a more effective, motivated public workforce. This is how governance becomes real in people’s lives.
The “Rivers First” mantra with which Fubara campaigned is now being tested. That slogan should become policy. It must inform every appointment, every contract, every budget decision, and every reform. It must reflect the needs and aspirations of the ordinary Rivers person—not political patrons or vested interests.
Beyond infrastructure and administration, political healing is essential. Governor Fubara and Minister Wike must go beyond temporary peace. They should actively unite their camps and followers to form one strong political family. The future of Rivers cannot be built on division.
Political appointments, both at the Federal and State levels, must reflect a spirit of fairness, tolerance, and inclusivity. The days of political vendettas and exclusive lists must end. Every ethnic group, every gender, and every generation must feel included in the new Rivers project.
Rivers is too diverse to be governed by one faction. Lasting peace can only be built on concessions, maturity, and equity. The people are watching to see if the peace deal will lead to deeper understanding or simply paper over cracks in an already fragile political arrangement.
Wike, now a national figure as Minister of the FCT, has a responsibility to rise above the local fray and support the development of Rivers State. His influence should bring federal attention and investment to the state, not political interference or division.
Likewise, Fubara should lead with restraint, humility, and a focus on service delivery. His return should not be marked by revenge or political purges but by inclusive leadership that welcomes even former adversaries into the process of rebuilding the state.
“The people are no longer interested in power struggles. They want light in their streets, drugs in their hospitals, teachers in their classrooms, and jobs for their children. The politics of ego and entitlement have to give way to governance with purpose.
The appearance of both leaders at the funeral was a glimpse of what unity could look like. That moment should now evolve into a movement-one that prioritizes Rivers State over every personal ambition. Let it be the beginning of true reconciliation and progress.
As September draws near, the Federal government should act decisively to end the state of emergency and reinstate all suspended officials. Rivers State must return to constitutional order and normal democratic processes. This is the minimum requirement of good governance.
The crisis in Rivers has dragged on for too long. The truce is a step forward, but much more is needed. Reinstating Governor Fubara, implementing the ?1.485 trillion budget, and uniting political factions are now the urgent tasks ahead. Rivers people have suffered enough. It is time to restore leadership, rebuild trust, and finally put Rivers first.
By: Amieyeofori Ibim
Amieyeofori Ibim is former Editor of The Tide Newspapers, political analyst and public affairs commentator
Do the Fulani herdsmen have an expansionists agenda, like their progenitor, Uthman Dan Fodio? Why are they everywhere even the remotest part of other areas in Nigeria harassing, maiming, raping and killing the owners of the land?”
In a swift reaction, The Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) decried and strongly condemned the invasion by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
In his denunciation, MOSOP President Fegalo Nsuke described the incident as very unfortunate and deeply troubling, warning against a recurrence of the violence experienced in Benue State. “The killing of yesterday is bad and very unfortunate. We are getting preliminary information about how the herders gained access to the farmland, and it appears some hoodlums may be collecting money and granting access illegally.”
He called on the Hausa community in Rivers State to intervene swiftly to prevent further attacks.
“We want the Hausa community in Rivers State to take urgent action to ensure these issues are resolved”.
But will such appeal and requests end the violent disposition of the Fulani herdsmen? It is not saying something new that the escalating threat and breach of peace across the country by the Fulani herdsmen or those suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, leaves much to be desired in a country that is bedevilled by multi-dimensional challenges and hydra-headed problems.
Some upland Local Government Areas of Rivers State, such as Etche, Omuma, Emohua, Ikwerre, Oyigbo, Abua, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, have severally recounted their ordeals, as herdsmen invaded farmlands, destroyed crops, raped female farmers and killed protestant residents.
Again the wanton destruction of lives and properties which no doubt has overwhelmed the Nigerian Police, makes the clamour for State Police, indispensable. The National Assembly should consider the amendment of the Constitution to allow States to have their Statutory policing agencies.
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