Chidi Samuel|
Four south-east states governors over the weekend rose from their meeting in Enugu and said they will not donate any land in the region for establishment of cattle ranches.
The governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha, and his deputy were noticeably absent from the gathering.
Those who attended were Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, governor of Enugu, Dave Umahi, governor of Ebonyi, while Abia and Anambra states were represented by their deputy governors, Ude Chukwu and Ikem Okeke.
The chairman of the south-east governor’s forum, Dave Umahi told newsmen to disregard reports that some south-east states had made land available for the establishment of ranches as the federal government had not asked for any land for ranches from the governors.
Umahi said, “No land in the south-east has been donated for ranching. We have not donated any land; we have not been asked to donate and we are not going to donate.”
“Ranching is not approved by the south-east governors in the south-east.”
The governor’s, however, raised the alarm over the challenges posed by the movement of herdsmen in the south-east, stating that they would meet with heads of federal security agencies over the matter.
The governors also condemned the recent killings in Plateau state, and demanded justice for the victims.
The decisions of the governors were summarised in a communique issued at the end of the meeting.
The communique read, “The south-east governor’s forum commiserates with the governor of Plateau state and the people of the state for the recent killings.
“We condemn the killings and join other regions to demand justice for the Plateau people.
“South-east governors have noticed increased challenges in the movement of herdsmen from one state and region to another with the resultant effect of massive destruction of farmlands with attendant clashes with farmers.
“South-east governors have been spending huge funds in settling farmers whose farms and crops are destroyed; we, therefore, request an emergency meeting in the south-east with federal security chiefs, farmers, and herdsmen to stop the movements and prevent clashes.”