Miyetti Allah Chairman Urges Kaduna Herders to Participate in Voter Registration

By: Abubakar Labaran

KAFANCHAN – The Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Kaduna State, Alhaji Abdulhamid Musa, has issued a passionate appeal to its members across the state to participate in the ongoing voter registration exercise.

Alhaji Musa made the appeal on Wednesday during a meeting with executives from the association's Southern Kaduna chapter in Kafanchan, the headquarters of Jema'a Local Government Area.

The Chairman emphasized that in Nigeria, a voter card is essential for political relevance and recognition. He urged every member and their families to register en masse to ensure their eligibility to vote.

“Without a voter’s card, a citizen lacks relevance and is not recognized in any political context,” Musa stated. He advised members to first complete the online pre-registration process to simplify the final in-person registration at INEC offices.

Musa noted that the community’s historical disengagement from politics is a primary reason for the challenges they face. He pointed out that many herders are often absent during registration periods and thus cannot vote.

He added that while the Fulani have a significant population in Southern Kaduna, their nomadic lifestyle has made their numbers less visible in the political process. He encouraged them to promote unity and inclusion by registering to participate in the nation’s political programs.

Addressing farmer-herder clashes, the Chairman appealed to members to avoid any action that could disrupt the peace and normalcy enjoyed across the state.

He directed all Local Government branch chairmen to submit monthly reports on issues in their areas to the state headquarters for prompt action.

Furthermore, he advised members against sending young children to herd cattle, stressed the importance of paying Zakat (Islamic alms), and urged them to report grievances to the appropriate authorities rather than taking the law into their own hands

In his remarks, the Ardon Ardodi of Kachia Local Government Area, Alhaji Gaga Magaji, who spoke on behalf of the community leaders (Ardos), appealed to herders to conduct their activities peacefully and avoid crop destruction.

“Have the fear of God in all your actions, as the Almighty sees every evil and will definitely punish it,” Alhaji Magaji reminded the attendees.

In their speeches, the eight Local Government branch chairmen from Southern Kaduna reported that they hold regular meetings to ensure peaceful coexistence with their neighbors. However, they lamented the harassment of their communities by security personnel, cattle rustlers, and bandits. They appealed to the state chairman to help address these threats.

A highlight of the event was the swearing-in of new executives,  conducted by Chairman Abdulhamid Musa.