Anambra State Government on Wednesday dismissed as untrue, rumours that the state Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, has secretly agreed to the federal government demand to set up of cattle colonies in states of the federation.
The state government said rumours that Obiano had set up a colony for cattle in the state was untrue, adding that the state had earlier made it plain that it does not have land to give out to anyone.
The state commissioner for information and communications strategy, Mr Tony Nnachetta who briefed journalists on the outcome of the state executive council meeting presided over by the governor's said the state was satisfied with the cordial relationship that exists between the herdsmen and their host communities, and have no reason to complain.
Nnachetta said the council acknowledged that the Fulani have been settling in Anambra State in the past 60 years, and that there have not been incidences of violence that could not be contained.
He revealed that they are presently 76 Fulani settlements scattered across the state, and that none can exactly be tagged a cattle colony, just as the state government is not in a hurry to chase them away.
"As for the cattle colony, you recall that Anambra Council of elders, traditional rulers, community and opinion leaders including former Governor Chukwuemeka Ezeife, former secretary general of Common Wealth, Chief Anyaoku among others had submitted that the state had no land to donate as cattle colony or ranch, due to its limited land mass.
“The assertion(secret creation of a cattle colony by Obiano) is incorrect, it is not true. There is no plan to establish cattle colony anywhere in Anambra."
Nnachetta hailed both the Fulani herdsmen and their host communities, saying even though there had been isolated clashes and tensions at certain period, they have always lived peacefully.
“Government is pleased with the maturity and understanding of our community leaders hosting cattle and herdsmen in 76 locations in Anambra State. Both hosts and herdsmen are cooperating through the machinery of the governments special Assistant and other communities," he said.
Nnachetta added that council also discussed ways of improving education standards in the state and had approved the recruitment of more teachers at various levels, and enhanced incentives.
“For human development, government would recruit 100 teachers for the technical education, 500 teachers each for the Secondary and Primary schools. There would be consideration for retired teachers: Teachers, who have retired but are still able and willing to continue to work, will be engaged."
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