Fulani socio-cultural groups in Taraba State on Monday endorsed the candidature of Atiku Abubakar and Governor Darius Ishaku as their presidential and governorship candidates for the forthcoming general elections.
The state chapter of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association had earlier in the day addressed a press conference where they endorsed President Muhammadu Buhari and Sani Abubakar Danladi of the All Progressives Congress as their candidates.
The association’s Zonal Chairman for the North East, Alhaji Mafindi Danburam, however, led the groups to endorse Ishaku and Atiku at the Government House in Jalingo.
He said the decision was in the best interest of Fulanis in the country.
Danburam, who before now was one of the strong critics of the governor and the his Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, said the decision to endorse Ishaku and Atiku was taken after wide consultation with critical stakeholders.
The Fulani leader said they had before now opposed the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law because they were misinformed about government’s good intention.
He said, “We never knew the governor’s good intention and we seriously opposed him over the anti-open grazing law. You are aware we even went to court, but the governor remained calm and even suspended further action on the law.
“Today, we have come to compensate him for his patience and to give him and Atiku our support for the good of Taraba and Nigeria.
“As a people, we have lost a lot in our fight with the government and we think this is not necessary. The governor has promised to amend some aspects of the open grazing prohibition law and we will wait to see it.”
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