2023: Incorporate livestock development in your agenda – KACRAN tells presidential candidates
The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has said herders are determined to vote for candidates who have favourable policies and programs that will bring about development to the livestock sector in the 2023 general elections.
The association also urged its members and all Nigerians to get their Permanent Voters Card (PVC) in order to maximally participate in the forthcoming elections.
In a statement signed by KACRAN National President, Honourable Khalil Mohd Bello, the association congratulated presidential candidates urging them to fully incorporate livestock development in their policies and programs.
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The statement read, “We warmly congratulate and rejoice with His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (Jagaban Borgu); Alhaji Atiku Abubakar (Wazirin Adamawa); Alhaji Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso and Mr Peter Obi the presidential candidates of APC, PDP, NNPP, and Labour Party respectively for their well deserved successful emergence as candidates of their parties. We call on them to fully incorporate livestock development in their policies and programs during their campaign exercises and policy formulation as well as create a special Ministry of Animal resources if they come to power.
“We painfully observe that despite herders’ numerous contributions to the nation’s economic development and provision of nutritional food to Nigerians, they are ignored by government/people in power when it comes to policy and program formulations,
“Only a few leaders recognise the vital role played by the livestock sector in creating job opportunities for the youths and people whose livelihood is dependent on pastoral occupation.
“Hence, KACRAN noticed that it is only through the creation of the Federal Ministry of Animal resources that Herders’ problems and needs related to water points or animal feed during dry seasons will be adequately handled.
“Most of the money given to solve herders’ plight is spent on the development of arable farming to the detriments of the fisheries and livestock sector. We wish to state that the inclusion of this livestock sector development plan or the creation of a Special Ministry for Animal resources by any politician will give him an upper hand or added advantage over other candidates.
“The livestock sector is the bedrock for Northern Nigeria’s economic development, hence, its promotion will boost Nigeria’s GDP. It will also reduce the problems of insecurity in the country and end the Farmers/Herders’ conflicts, as the development will stop our Herders from unnecessary movements to the Southern parts of the country which sometimes result in several avoidable clashes with farmers in their host communities.
KACRAN also want Nigerian politicians to note that KACRAN members always cast their votes en block, as we normally don’t want to divide our votes but always put them based on the person or party we strongly believe will fully consider us in its policy formulation and implementation.
“Politicians should note that we have a million Herders who have their PVC in hand and are ready to cast them to the candidate of their choice, especially the one who they noticed prioritized their interest and general survival.
“So, we urge you, Politicians, not to underestimate the powers of the Herders when it comes to voting. Their power or block votes shall help one achieve victory at the ballot box. Remember we are strongly united, our ‘A’ is always ‘A’ amongst members.
“Also, we strongly appeal to the federal government to create more commissions such as Commission for Nomadic Education, North East Development Commission (NEDC), etc, give them enough financial backing as well as critically assess their performances with the view to earnestly look into Herders pressing problems that are currently making lives unbearable for Herders.”
“KACRAN is wishing all candidates aspiring for various positions in the 2023 election and having the development of Nigeria in their hearts all the best and good luck. The statement concluded.
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