Rivers State Government has vowed not to participate in Federal Government’s Ruga settlements for herdsmen. 

The state government in a statement signed by Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Mrs Paulinus Nsirim, noted that the state has no land for the implementation of such a policy.

It said the second term of Governor Nyesom Wike has prioritised commercial agriculture, hence all available arable land in the state will be needed to drive commercial agriculture across the state to create employment for Rivers youths.

The state government emphasised that it has not given any approval for siting of Ruga settlements anywhere in Rivers State. It added that no such approval will come from Rivers State government for Ruga settlements.

The statement reiterated that Mr Wike will continue to defend the interest of Rivers people, who have overwhelmingly rejected cattle colonies, Ruga settlements and any such policy.

He advised Rivers indigenes to join the state government to protect all arable lands by reporting any form of encroachment under whatever guise.

Sun