The Presidency said on Friday the protest against inclusion of some people in the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s committee on herdsmen /farmers clashes would not stop the committee from performing its assignment.
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders’ Association was said to have rejected the Osinbajo panel because of the inclusion of the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom and his Taraba State counterpart, Darius Ishaku in the panel.
The two governors are strong supporters of the anti-grazing laws in their states.
Their communities have been attacked by killer herdsmen resulting in the death of several people, while many others were injured and displaced from their communities.
Speaking with The Nation, the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Vice President, Laolu Akande, said the job of the committee is for the interest of all Nigerians, especially all the affected communities and parties in the crises.
He said the Osinbajo’s panel would leave no stone unturned in the bid to ensure peace and security of life and property in the affected communities.
He said: “Our job is to all Nigerians and in this case all affected parties and communities. The interest of the administration is peace and the first duty of government is to provide peace and security of life and property.
“So we note the views of all and welcome their right to their own positions. Government would also do its job to secure the well- being of all Nigerians including those who have expressed their opinions.
“The Working Group has met once already and would continue to meet to ensure that all Nigerians live in peace and security.
“The Group is made up of elected governors including those whose communities are affected. And we should not forget that all those serving in states as governors and federal government have sworn to protect the constitution. That is the guarantee by law that their actions would be fair and without fear or favour.
“This crisis and the misunderstanding that followed it would be over under the Buhari administration by the special Grace of God.”
Source:The Nation
