Less than 24 hours after an Igala group in the Kogi East Senatorial rejected the idea of a cattle colony in the area, the Senator representing Kogi West District, Dino Melaye, has taken a similar step.
In a statement, Senator Melaye said he was not surprised that Governor Yahaya Bello rushed at embracing the federal government’s proposal by announcing he planned to use Kogi for a pilot project.6
He added: “The governor’s latest shenanigans is not surprising in the sense that money is involved. The Federal Government will definitely make funds available to Bello to kick-start the pilot scheme in Kogi State.
“Therefore, as a true representative of the people of Kogi West senatorial zone and on behalf of my constituents, we warn in strong terms that our soil, land, water and air cannot be used for cattle colonies.
“Let it be clear to all the insensitive people behind the idea that Kogi West will resist the establishment of any cattle colony within our domain politically, spiritually,traditionally and with any means available within the ambit of the law.”
As their representative is blowing hot, the Okun speaking people are gathering Saturday to take a firm position on the issue of a cattle colony on their land.
But it is not unclear what position they would take going by the anger that has greeted Governor Bello’s pre-emptive statements in Okun land.
The Okun people’s announcement tells its own story. It reads: “Following our consultation with the Ag Chairman of Okun Traditional Council who is also the Olubunu of Bunu, a meeting of all Okun Traditional Rulers, (graded and ungraded) the ODA Executives, and two people from the Development Association/Union of each community has been scheduled to hold at the Anglican Church Cathedral Kabba at 10:00am on Saturday 20th January 20, 2018.
“The only topic for discussion is to articulate Okun stand on the Kogi state Governor’s announced position on Fulani herdsmen and the proposed cattle colony.
“Our intention is to follow this up with a request for a meeting with the Governor with an expanded Okun team to include Traditional Rulers, ODA Executive, Presidents and Secretaries of community development associations, Okun elites, including OTT members, SANs, Generals and other military officers, etc.
“Please endeavour to attend the Saturday meeting at Kabba. The Fulani challenge is real. For the sake of our children and children’s children we must join others to demand for fairness, Justice and equity and the preservation of our territorial identity and integrity.”
