“No More Cows Grazing In Abuja City Centre.” – Wike
The new minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced that he will ban open cattle grazing in Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria. He said that the practice of allowing cows to roam freely in the city centre was unacceptable and detrimental to the image of the country.
Mr Wike made this declaration at his maiden press briefing on Monday, after taking oath of office as FCT minister. He said that he would consult with the Fulani herdsmen, who are the main cattle owners in the country, and persuade them to take their cows to designated grazing areas outside the city.
“We cannot allow cows inside the city. It can be outside the city. That is the way it should be done,” Mr Wike said. “Because the grasses are outside the city. The grasses are not here. These are grasses we planted to beautify the city. The ones in the area councils are the ones that can eat.”
In conclusion, Mr Wike also expressed his displeasure over the open grazing that occurred in the city centre during the previous administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. He said that it was embarrassing to see cows wandering around major landmarks and institutions in Abuja, such as the State House, National Assembly and Supreme Court.
For eight years, under Mr Buhari’s regime, Fulani herdsmen were allowed to graze their cows openly within the city centre, despite public outcry and criticism. Mr Wike said that he would put an end to this situation and restore order and sanity in the capital city.
