The Simon Ekpa-led Biafra Republic Government In-Exile has rejected the creation of the Livestock Development Ministry. This statement comes shortly after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the establishment of the new ministry on Tuesday, generating mixed reactions across the country.
During the Arise TV Morning Show on Wednesday, Dr. Reuben Abati joined those calling for the Nigerian Government to reconsider the idea. Posting on X, Ekpa condemned the ministry’s establishment, warning it would not venture into Biafra land. He criticized the speed at which the ministry was created and prioritized by Tinubu’s government.
Ekpa stated, “If you create it in any Biafra territory, we will not allow it. Do not include Biafra territory in your so-called livestock. The Fulanis called for the creation on June 23rd, 2024, and the President prioritized it by creating the ministry on July 9, 2024, in less than a month. We will not accept anything associated with it in Biafraland.”
In June, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) urged Tinubu to create a Livestock Development Ministry. However, beyond the Ekpa-led BRGIE, many Nigerians have criticized the ministry’s creation amid calls to cut down on the high cost of governance. Financial analyst Kalu Aja also condemned the new ministry, stating the government was more focused on reelection than budgetary discipline.
Meanwhile, farmers under the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) welcomed the creation of the Livestock Ministry, believing it will help end the farmers-herders conflicts. With this new ministry, Nigeria now has a total of 50 ministries, adding to the recurrent expenditure burden.
