Dr. Pogu Bitrus, President of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), has issued a stark warning about the increasing risk of hunger in Nigeria if the ongoing security issues are not urgently addressed. Speaking in an interview on July 27, Dr. Bitrus highlighted the critical need for improved security to allow farmers to return to their fields and mitigate the impact of current agricultural policies.
Dr. Bitrus expressed skepticism about the newly created Ministry of Livestock, which was established to address conflicts between farmers and herders. He criticized the move as creating unnecessary bureaucracy, suggesting that ranching should be community-based rather than managed by a new ministerial body. He argued that the creation of another ministry could complicate rather than simplify the situation.
Regarding calls for President Tinubu to reconsider the new ministry, Dr. Bitrus supported the idea, advocating for the integration of livestock management into the existing Ministry of Agriculture instead. He stressed that the focus should be on effective ranching practices rather than expanding government structures.
Dr. Bitrus also concurred with recent warnings from the Senate about the potential for widespread hunger if immediate action is not taken. He underscored the gravity of the situation, noting that hunger could lead to unrest if not addressed. He called on the government to act swiftly to prevent the dire consequences of prolonged food insecurity.
The recent decision to grant a 150-day exemption on import duties for grains was also scrutinized by Dr. Bitrus. He described it as a temporary fix rather than a comprehensive solution, pointing out that deeper systemic issues, such as insecurity and economic instability, are contributing to the crisis. He stressed that addressing these root causes is essential for a sustainable resolution.
On the topic of local government autonomy, Dr. Bitrus welcomed the Supreme Court's recent ruling but emphasized the need for further legislative action to ensure that elections are managed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) rather than state bodies. This, he believes, would enhance the integrity of local governance.
Reflecting on the recent UK elections, Dr. Bitrus drew a parallel to Nigeria, suggesting that the Nigerian populace could also mobilize for significant change if they feel that the current system fails to serve their needs. He urged Nigerians to learn from international examples and advocate for reforms that address their grievances effectively.
As the nation prepares for a planned nationwide protest starting August 1, Dr. Bitrus’s remarks underscore the pressing need for a comprehensive approach to both security and economic issues to avert further hardship and unrest.
No comments:
Post a Comment