Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has warned its newly elected states’ executives to desist from getting involved in extortion, illegal issues and touting or risk suspension.
Its national president, Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, issued the warning in a statement on Monday.
He said that the actions of miscreants have tarnished the good image of the Fulani people and urged the new leadership to work towards ridding those with criminal tendencies from their midst.
The president also called on members to be law abiding and report any act of injustice they face, assuring them that, as citizens, they are entitled to their full rights.
Mr Othman-Ngelzarma said he has directed the elected MACBAN executive in Taraba to constitute a three-man legal team for each state to deal with extortion and other illegal issues.
The president described a large number of pastoral youths in custodial centres across the states awaiting trial resulting from alleged false charges as unacceptable.
He said the association had received hundreds of complaints from members nationwide that an alleged cartel of security, judicial officials and some renegade pastoralist leaders were feeding on the wealth of rural pastoralists.
Mr Othman-Ngelzarma said, “Leadership is about service, and with heightened insecurity occasioned by gross human rights abuse, all hands must be on deck to ensure equity, justice, and fair play for all Nigerians.”
The president urged all pastoralists to uphold the concept of ‘Pullaku‘ for peace and security to reign.
He emphasised the need to shed all negativity to restore their dignity and pride, adding that the Pullaku code of conduct virtues represent peace, respect, shyness and unity.
“These are integral to the survival of society. MACBAN represents peaceful and law-abiding pastoralists and will not tolerate bad eggs in its midst,” Mr Othman-Ngelzarma added.
He implored the association’s leadership and followership to support the government and security agencies in their various states.
Mr Othman-Ngelzarma also implored the association’s members to extend their hands of fellowship to all the farmers’ associations for dialogue to mitigate recurring conflicts.