The Presidency has referred to reports that FG gave N100 billion to Miyetti Allah, an association of Fulani herders, for suspicious reasons as “absolute falsehood.”
Malam Garba Shehu, the President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, revealed this in a statement in Abuja on Friday.
It was a reaction to words from Ohaneze Ndigbo and Afenifere, who shared their concerns about the meeting between the Federal government and Miyetti Allah.
His words, “We are pleased that Afenifere and Ohaneze Ndigbo found our insights worthy of attention even when they disagreed with our view that they, as socio-cultural associations, represent same interests as Miyetti Allah, an association of Fulani herders.
”Miyetti Allah, like any other trade, community, ethnic organization or interest group is a legal stakeholder in our nation and should be respected.
”We maintain that the government needs to engage all stakeholders and seek partnership in building our country.
”The activities of Miyetti Allah do not benefit selected ethnicities or Muslims only, but everyone.
”Long before petroleum became the core of Nigerian economy, agriculture was the main source of Nigerian wealth. Cattle, hides and skin were a major part of Nigerian export.
”It is right to state that there are criminals among every group in Nigeria and in every country. There are criminals among the northern population as there are in the southern part of the country.
”It is not good to generalise blames. The government will engage each stakeholder and create dialogue between, and among, different groups.”
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