PDP Chairman Declares Support For RUGA Settlement, Cites Reasons

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Nigeria’s main opposition has declared its support for the establishment of the Rural Grazing Areas (RUGA) programme of the Federal Government.

Naija News understands that the Chairman, Board of Trustees (BOT) of the PDP, Sen. Walid Jibrin made this known on Tuesday.

While speaking at his Nasarawa country home on Tuesday in Nasarawa State, Jibrin urged Nigerians to embrace the establishment RUGA as it will bring about the promotion of peace and security in the country.

While speaking further, Jibrin also explained that the programme would boost food security and improve on the health and standard of living of rural communities.

In the statement obtained by Naija News, Jibrin, who is also the Sarkin (leader) of Fulani in Nasarawa state, commended the federal government for introducing the RUGA programme in the country considering its importance.

“I am not in APC, I am a PDP chieftain. But when we talk of development and security, we should leave anything about politics, religion and tribe.

“Whoever is ruling in Nigeria, if he brings any programme that will do away with insecurity, killings.And will take care of the welfare of the people, I will go by that. My politics is not a do or die and I play politics without bitterness.

“That is why I am and we Fulani commend the Federal Government for introducing the RUGA project in the country.

“Our tribe (Fulani) and I had embraced the programme. RUGA project includes provision of hospitals, schools, water supply and electricity, among other facilities, which will have direct bearing on the lives of the herders.

“Apart from that, it will also tackle incessant farmers/herdsmen conflicts as well as boost food security in the country,” he said.

While speaking on the interest of national development, Jibrin also called on the Igbo and Yoruba ethnic groups on the group to embrace the programme.

“About 12 states in the North have already embraced it and have already started the project including Nasarawa State.

“So, I am calling on the Southerners, the Igbo, the Yoruba, among others, to embrace it, even though the project is not compulsory.

“The project will keep the herdsmen safe and will improve on their welfare as some states in the South East have already promised to donate land for the project,” he noted.