The Presidency on Tuesday said Nigerians should ignore the 30-days ultimatum handed down by the Coalition of Northern Groups, CNG, over the suspension of RUGA settlement project.
It also made the clarification that the National Livestock Transformation Plan of the Federal Government has not been suspended.
The Senior Policy Adviser (Agriculture Interventions Coordination) in the Office of the Vice President, Dr. Andrew Kwasari, who spoke on the issues in an interview with journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, also cautioned the CNG to respect the Office of the President which, it said, took the decision in the national interest.
Kwasari spoke during a training session organised for the executives of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria and its officers in eight states considered to be flashpoints.
The training, with the theme, “Dialogue and Negotiations: Why, when and how to be effective,” was organised by the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue.
Kwasari said, “The National Livestock Transformation Plan has not been suspended. In fact, it has been enhanced because Mr President, in his wisdom, has spoken and directed that this is the plan that we should be working around to implement.
“We will need all-encompassing committee of the National Economic Council, National Food Security Council, and the Federal Executive Council working together to deliver this plan.
So, for us, this is the type of leadership that the country needs. So, there is no mention of suspension whatsoever for the NLTP.”
On the CNG threat, Kwasari, dismissing it, said a large section of the citizenry was in support of Buhari suspension of RUGA policy.
“I think the President has the overwhelming support and his decision has resonated with the majority. I think we should not worry about the threats. They don’t earn my respect in anyway, I can’t support them. My support is for the President and the people of Nigeria, “ he said.
