Open Grazing: Tambuwal Knocks Buhari, Says Nigeria Needs A Detribalised Leader

By James Orji

Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto state has advised the federal government not to press ahead with its plan to impose open grazing on the state governments, noting that carrying cattle on foot is archaic.

“Why must someone from Sokoto be pursuing his cattle to Delta State?” Tambuwal asked, in his obvious response to President Muhammadu Buhari, last week’s approval of a recommendation of a committee it set up to map out grazing reserves across 25 states in the country.

In spite of its rejection by many states, particularly in the southern part of the country, the President Buhari’s administration said it will go ahead with the policy.

Some state governors have recently signed legislations passed by their respective states Houses of Assembly banning open grazing, an indication, many say point to the fact that they are not prepared to back down on their readiness to outlaw open grazing in their various states.

But the Buhari administration appears not to be letting down also after it approved recom­mendations of a committee to review 368 grazing sites, across 25 states in the country, “to determine the levels of en­croachment,” with the purpose of restoring them back.

But while delivering a lecture titled ‘Security Challenges in Nigeria and its Implications for Sustain­able Development’ in Lagos on Monday, Tambuwal urged the federal government to have a rethink on the matter, to prevent the country from being set on fire.

He said the federal government should dialogue with state governors to ascertain those who want open grazing in their states. Forcing the policy on recalcitrant states will backfire he said, adding that open grazing is outdated.

Meanwhile, the Sokoto helmsman has urged Nigerians to elect a detribalized Nigerian as President in 2023. This, he explained, is the only way to address the security challenges facing the country.

Tambuwal said: “Nigeria needs a leader that is versa­tile. One that has friends and associates across the length and breadth of this country. A leader with a broad world view and not a parochial and provincial politician.

“We need an incorruptible leader who understands that the best way to fight corrup­tion is by personal examples and also by the building of strong institutions that can withstand shocks and ma­nipulations. Nigeria needs a leader in tune with the times, who is reasonably aware of the modern demands of technology in solving societal problems.

“Yes, Nigeria needs a bridge builder. A compas­sionate leader, sensitive to the needs and aspirations of the poor and needy. A leader whose words count and can be counted on. Indeed, a leader with courage,” he said.

Tambuwal added that “accountable leader who can be trusted to face the challenges of nationhood squarely without sentiments or pandering to interests that are inconsistent with national goals.”