Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has said that the state would implement the Ruga settlement scheme in spite of its suspension by the Federal Government.
The governor made this known on Sunday in Lafia while hosting a delegation of Fulani leaders, associations, elders and Ardos from across the state who came on a courtesy call, NAN reports.
He noted that even before its suspension, the Federal Government had made it clear that it was optional for states.
The governor explained that his decision to go ahead with the scheme was to ensure peaceful coexistence among the people of the state.
“Even though the Federal Government has suspended its Ruga project, some of us agreed to continue with the same project in our states, hoping that its advantage will become evident,” Sule stated.
While maintaining that meaningful development can only take place under a peaceful atmosphere, Sule commended President Muhammadu Buhari for efforts at ensuring lasting peace across the country.
The governor commended the Fulani leaders for the visit, stressing the need for peaceful coexistence between herdsmen and farmers.
He also used the opportunity to call on youths to desist from kidnapping and cattle rustling, urging them to embrace education which he said would make them to contribute positively to nation building.
