The Presidency yesterday said that the reported protest against some members of the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s committee on herdsmen/farmers clashes will not stop the committee from performing its assignment.
The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association was reported to have rejected the Osinbajo panel because of the inclusion of the Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom and Taraba State Governor Darius Ishaku on the panel.
The two state governors are strong supporters of the anti-grazing laws in their states.
Their communities have been attacked by killer herdsmen, resulting in the death of some Nigerians with injuries to many, while others were displaced from their communities.
The Osinbajo committee was set up by the last meeting of the National Economic Council towards finding a solution to the killings in the affected communities.
Speaking with The Nation, the Vice President’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Laolu Akande, said the committee was set up in the interest of all Nigerians, especially the affected communities and parties in the crises.
Stressing that the interest of the administration is to ensure peace and security, he said the Osinbajo panel would leave no stone unturned to ensure peace and security of life and property in the affected communities.
He said: “Our job is to all Nigerians, and in this case, all the affected parties and communities. The interest of the administration is peace and the first duty of government is to provide peace and security of life and property.
“So we note the views of all and welcome their right to their own positions. Government will also do its job to secure the wellbeing of all Nigerians, including those who have expressed their opinions.
“The Working Group has met once already and would continue to meet to ensure that all Nigerians live in peace and security.
“The Group is made up of elected governors including those whose communities are affected.
“And we should not forget that all those serving in states as governors and the Federal Government have sworn to protect the constitution.
“That is the guarantee by law that their actions would be fair and without fear or favour.
“This crisis and the misunderstanding that attends it would be over under the Buhari administration by the special Grace of God.” he stated.
