FG’s ranches: Alia urges caution as Benue PDP demands clarity

A controversy has erupted in Nigeria's Benue State over the Federal Government's proposed pilot ranching scheme, with Governor Hyacinth Alia calling for careful consideration and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) demanding a clear stance.

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Governor Hyacinth Alia is a steadfast democrat who remains conscious that his mandate is a product of the people’s will.

Governor Alia, through his Chief Press Secretary Tersoo Kula, stated that the administration is consulting with relevant authorities and stakeholders. Kula urged the public not to politicize the proposal, emphasizing the governor's commitment to protecting the state's interests and assuring that Alia would approach the matter with "careful consideration and strategic judgment."

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there is no need to take the issue to the streets, churches, media or marketplaces in a rush to politicise it.

However, the PDP, represented by State Publicity Secretary Bright Antyo, rejected this explanation. The party accused the governor of evading the issue and failing to provide specific answers. The PDP questioned whether the state had accepted the federal proposal, if land had been committed, its location and size, and the legal arrangements for acquisition. They also sought clarification on whether the ranches would be private or government-run, if existing grazing reserves would be used, and how the state's anti-open grazing law would be affected.

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Governor Hyacinth Alia has never taken a position that is against the interests of Benue State.

Further questions from the PDP included who the "relevant authorities" were and why farmers, traditional rulers, and affected communities had not been publicly consulted. The party insists that the governor must clearly state his administration's position on the ranching scheme, which has raised concerns about land ownership, farmers' livelihoods, security, and the state's existing legal framework.

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long on praise for Governor Alia, vague assurances and appeals for patience, but silent on the central issues.