The National Deputy Director-General Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Gidado Siddiki, has made a case for the adequate inclusion of non-indigenes in the governance of the 21 Local Government Areas of Anambra State by the newly elected Chairmen.
The call is coming following the emergence of the 21 Local Government Chairmen after Saturday’s elections.
The Fulani community in the state has, in recent times, raised the alarm over the spate of attacks on their members legitimately doing cattle businesses in the state and other parts of the Southeast zone.
Speaking to newsmen in Awka on Thursday, Alhaji Siddiki congratulated the Chairmen on their emergence and applauded the Anambra populace for the recently concluded free and fair local government elections.
He also expressed gratitude to the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association members for their full participation in the elections.
Siddiki, the leader of the Fulani community in Awka, called on their members across the Southeast to follow the example set in Anambra by actively participating in the upcoming local government elections in their respective states.
According to him, their members need to engage in the day-to-day activities of their host communities.
“Building trust and confidence comes from close interaction, and through this, we can strengthen our relationships with our hosts,” he said.
The MACBAN chieftain appealed to the newly elected local government chairmen to always accommodate non-indigenes, such as members of the MACBAN, in their governance.
He said this is crucial to fostering inclusivity and ensuring that all residents, regardless of origin, can contribute to developing their local communities.
Siddiki also appealed to all MACBAN members to avoid any actions that could jeopardize the peace they enjoy with their host communities.
“I appeal to our hosts to continue their hospitality, allowing us to conduct our legitimate business of cattle breeding and sales in the South East.
“In these challenging times of economic hardship, inflation, and currency devaluation, I call on political, religious, and traditional leaders to refrain from spreading hate or divisive messages.
“Instead, they should focus on fostering confidence and unity among Nigerians, as their words carry significant weight and influence,” he concluded.
