Group alerts on plot to derail livestock ministry

The Coalition of Pastoralist Associations in Nigeria (COPA), has raised alarm over a plot by some legislators to sabotage the newly formed Ministry of Livestock Development.

In a statement, COPA’s Secretary General, Dr Salim Musa Umar, alleged that vested interests are secretly working against the ministry’s establishment, driven by selfish motives.

According to Dr Umar, the plotters plan to recruit individuals to commit violent acts against farms, blaming pastoralists to justify urgent legislation that would undermine the ministry. He also revealed plans to poison vital water sources, which could devastate livestock.

The group, therefore, called for an immediate investigation and accountability for those perpetuating conflicts for political gain.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved the establishment of Ministry of Livestock Development to address the long-standing conflicts between pastoralists and farmers.

The President is also the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Livestock Reforms, with former INEC chairman Attahiru Jega as deputy chairman.

Previous administrations had implemented various initiatives, including the Rural Grazing Area (RUGA) project initiated by former President Muhammadu Buhari, which were not allowed to work by vested interests.