The Association of Igbo Town Unions (ASITU) has kicked against the federal government’s proposal to acquire land in Imo State to establish cattle ranches under the 2025 budget through the newly created Ministry of Livestock Development.
In a statement made available to newsmen and signed by ASITU’s president, Chief Emeka Diwe, the association condemned the move as unfair, provocative, and an affront to the rights of the Igbo people.
He said, “This decision raises serious concerns about fairness, legality, and the long-term implications for the people of Imo State and the Igbo nation in general.”
Chief Diwe emphasised that cattle rearing is a private enterprise and should not be funded by the government, especially when a specific ethnic group controls such businesses.
The association pointed out that while Igbo traders and entrepreneurs follow strict legal processes to acquire land for their businesses, the proposed use of public funds to establish ranches unfairly favours private cattle farmers.
“This is a clear case of using taxpayer funds to promote the interest of a specific group, and it is deeply troubling,” Chief Diwe stated.
ASITU highlighted the severe scarcity of land in the South East, where communities already face significant pressure to allocate land for agriculture, urban development, and infrastructure.
“The idea of further allocating scarce land resources for private ranching, especially for a business dominated by another ethnic group, is an injustice that cannot be tolerated.”
The group expressed alarm over the federal government’s insensitivity to the socio-economic realities of the South East.
“Why should the government build ranches in Imo State for private cattle owners while Igbo traders, who contribute significantly to Nigeria’s economy, struggle with land acquisition for their businesses?” Chief Diwe questioned.
ASITU further argued that Igbo people in Lagos, Abuja, or Kano acquire land through private efforts without government intervention.
They listed major markets such as Alaba International Market, Ladipo Market, and Sabon Gari Market as examples of Igbo enterprises thriving without state support.
“If these businesses can succeed without government handouts, why should the cattle industry be treated differently?” the statement queried.
The association described the proposed ranching scheme as part of a larger pattern of marginalisation against the Igbo people in Nigeria.
“This move rekindles concerns about the broader issue of exclusion and reinforces the feeling that the government prioritises the interests of one group over others,” ASITU submitted.
The group stressed that anyone wishing to engage in cattle rearing in the South East must acquire land through proper legal means.
“Using state authority to expropriate ancestral lands for private interest is an intolerable injustice,” Chief Diwe submitted.
ASITU criticised the proposal’s broader implications, stating that such policies only deepen divisions and undermine national unity.
“The South East deserves better. We cannot continue to accept actions that marginalise our people while promoting the interest of others.”
Calling for the immediate cessation of the plan, ASITU urged the federal government to respect the region’s rights and focus on policies that foster inclusive growth.
“The government must address the economic challenges facing Nigerians and create an environment where all businesses, regardless of ethnicity, can thrive,” Chief Diwe stated.
The group also questioned the rationale behind the government’s heavy focus on supporting cattle farming, given its neglect of other sectors where the Igbo excel.
“Why has the government not shown similar concern for the businesses of Igbo traders, who play a vital role in driving the Nigerian economy?” ASITU asked.
ASITU reiterated its belief that the federal government must respect the principles of fairness, equity, and justice.
“No part of Igbo land should be appropriated for private interests without due consideration of the rights and welfare of our people,” the group maintained.
“We reject this initiative in its entirety and call on the government to adopt policies that promote national unity and equity. The time has come for the federal government to prioritise the needs of all Nigerians rather than favouring the interests of one group.”
ASITU reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of the Igbo people and vowed to resist any action that undermines their socio-economic well-being.
“We stand firm in our belief that the South East deserves better, and we will not accept further marginalisation under any guise.”
