FG Suspends Ruga Settlements Programme

The controversial Ruga Settlements programme has been suspended by the Federal Government.

This was confirmed by sources in the presidency.

According to a report by Channels Television, the Governors Forum will be speaking on the matter soon.

The Ruga Settlements has been a matter of controversy, as South West governors have described it as a plan by the government of the day to reposition the Fulani tribe.

However, the presidency has defended the controversial Ruga settlements programme saying that the initiative is for the benefit of all.

A statement credited to the Senior Special Assistant to the President, Garba Shehu, said the programme is not a scheme to reposition the Fulani people, adding that no state has been forced to partake of the initiative.

The statement reads: “The Presidency wishes to draw attention to recent unhelpful comments regarding the plan to stop roaming of cattle herders with the attendant clashes with farmers.

“Ruga Settlements” that seeks to settle migrant pastoral families simply means rural settlement in which animal farmers, not just cattle herders, will be settled in an organized place with provision of necessary and adequate basic amenities such as schools, hospitals, road networks, vet clinics, markets and manufacturing entities that will process and add value to meats and animal products.

Beneficiaries will include all persons in animal husbandry, not only Fulani herders.”