Politics
Jega: Tinubu has political will to end farmers-herders crises
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
The Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Livestock Reforms, Professor Attahiru Jega, has declared that the President possesses the political will to resolve Nigeria’s long-standing farmers-herders crisis if the right reforms are implemented with support from relevant stakeholders.
Professor Jega, a former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), stated this during a distinguished personality lecture at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State.
The lecture, titled “The Political Economy of Livestock Development in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects,” was delivered as part of activities commemorating the university’s 50th anniversary and held in honour of Senator Saliu Mustapha.
Jega, who described the escalating clashes between farmers and herders as a product of worsening land pressure, climate change, and poor governance of natural resources, stressed the need to tackle all issues as part of broader livestock sector reforms.
He said: “President Tinubu has demonstrated the willingness and capacity to solve this crisis. What is needed now is stakeholders’ support, especially from the National Assembly, security agencies, and state actors, to implement evidence-based reforms.”
The Political Scientist, who now advises the President on livestock reform policy, also painted a sobering picture of Nigeria’s looming protein deficit and rising food insecurity. Citing population growth projections by 2050, Jega warned that Nigeria, expected to become the world’s third most populous nation with nearly 400 million people, could face severe nutritional and economic crises unless the livestock sector undergoes urgent transformation.
“To meet basic consumption needs by 2050, Nigeria will require a 253 per cent increase in poultry production, 117 per cent in beef, and an astonishing 577 per cent growth in milk output,” he said. “These are not abstract projections —they are clear warning signs,” he added.
According to him: “The livestock sector already contributes 7 to 9 per cent to Nigeria’s agricultural GDP and sustains over 20 million livelihoods. Yet, the sector remains crippled by outdated production systems, poor veterinary services, inadequate infrastructure, fragmented value chains, and chronic underinvestment.”
He added that insecurity tied to the farmer-herder conflict further compounds the problem, disrupting rural livelihoods and exacerbating national instability.
“Violent conflict over land use and grazing routes is not only a food systems issue —it is a peace and security issue,” Jega said. “Reforming this sector is no longer optional; it is a developmental and national security imperative.”
He emphasised the need for climate-smart agricultural practices, investment in rural infrastructure, and the creation of inclusive value chains that bring private capital into the sector.
“The alternative is continued protein deficiency, widespread rural poverty, and deeper reliance on food imports,” Jega said.
Senator Saliu Mustapha, who chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture Production Services and Rural Development, commended Professor Jega for what he described as an intellectually rich and timely lecture.
Mustapha, who represents Kwara Central Senatorial District, pledged the National Assembly’s full backing for the Tinubu administration’s livestock and agriculture reform agenda.
He said: “The insights provided by Professor Jega today will no doubt shape policy thinking and empower our youth to pursue sustainable livestock ventures,” Mustapha said. “The legislature remains committed to working collaboratively with the executive to deliver food security and rural transformation.”
In her welcome remarks, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Professor Adedoyin Omeda, said the theme was selected in response to Nigeria’s worsening economic and security crises. She described Professor Jega as “a bridge between rigorous academic scholarship and transformative public service”.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Wahab Egbewole, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Professor Fawole Adisa, stated that the event reflects the university’s alignment with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Professor Jega’s selection for this lecture is deliberate,” Egbewole noted. “His expertise and leadership in public policy make him the right voice to speak on the future of livestock development in Nigeria.”
The event attracted academics, policymakers, lawmakers, and students, many of whom echoed the urgency of investing in Nigeria’s underperforming livestock sector.
End
An independent investigation by Nigerian Concord Newspaper has found no evidence linking a former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, to the Utan Bran compensation case or other alleged scandals at the Federal Ministry of Justice.
The investigation, conducted at the Federal Ministry of Justice, followed reports in sections of the media alleging misconduct by the former chief law officer of the federation.
Documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act indicate that Chief Aondoakaa was not involved in the legal firms that handled the Utan Bran compensation matter. Findings further show that the judgement debt related to the case was reportedly paid in 2006 under the tenure of a former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Bayo Ojo, SAN, during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Multiple officials at the Federal Ministry of Justice, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described Chief Aondoakaa’s tenure as one marked by adherence to the rule of law. The sources said court orders were generally complied with during his time in office.
They also questioned claims portraying the former Attorney General as emblematic of alleged institutional failings within the legal system, stating that no specific instance had been cited in which he abused public office or undermined court judgements.
Regarding reports suggesting that Chief Aondoakaa interfered with court processes during the post-election period of the 2007 National Assembly elections, sources within the ministry said available records do not support claims that he acted to obstruct court orders or delay the swearing-in of elected officials.
On questions surrounding eligibility to hold public office, legal practitioners pointed to established Supreme Court jurisprudence, which holds that concurrent judgements carry equal legal weight with lead judgements. A concurring opinion by Justice Mary Odili, JSC, was cited as stating that the issue of disqualification from public office did not arise in the matter concerning Aondoakaa.
The case is reportedly the subject of further judicial proceedings, following claims that earlier judgements were obtained through misrepresentation. The matter remains pending before the courts.
Sources also said documents generated during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, and signed by senior officials of the Ministry of Justice, support the position that Chief Aondoakaa was not implicated in the Utan Bran case. Nigerian Concord Newspaper said it would publish the documents after concluding its investigation.
Further findings indicate that the former Attorney General was not linked to major cases such as the Halliburton scandal, the OPL 245 (Malabu) oil deal, or the recovery of Abacha-era assets.
Supporters of Aondoakaa also note that he was cleared by his party to participate in the 2023 governorship primary election, arguing that this further demonstrates that no court order barred him from holding public office.
Legal experts reaffirm that qualifications and disqualifications for elective office are constitutionally defined, citing the Supreme Court’s decision in Attorney-General of Abia State v. Attorney-General of the Federation, which established that constitutional provisions on eligibility cannot be expanded or restricted by implication.
An independent investigation by Nigerian Concord Newspaper has found no evidence linking a former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, to the Utan Bran compensation case or other alleged scandals at the Federal Ministry of Justice.
The investigation, conducted at the Federal Ministry of Justice, followed reports in sections of the media alleging misconduct by the former chief law officer of the federation.
Documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act indicate that Chief Aondoakaa was not involved in the legal firms that handled the Utan Bran compensation matter. Findings further show that the judgement debt related to the case was reportedly paid in 2006 under the tenure of a former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Bayo Ojo, SAN, during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Multiple officials at the Federal Ministry of Justice, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described Chief Aondoakaa’s tenure as one marked by adherence to the rule of law. The sources said court orders were generally complied with during his time in office.
They also questioned claims portraying the former Attorney General as emblematic of alleged institutional failings within the legal system, stating that no specific instance had been cited in which he abused public office or undermined court judgements.
Regarding reports suggesting that Chief Aondoakaa interfered with court processes during the post-election period of the 2007 National Assembly elections, sources within the ministry said available records do not support claims that he acted to obstruct court orders or delay the swearing-in of elected officials.
On questions surrounding eligibility to hold public office, legal practitioners pointed to established Supreme Court jurisprudence, which holds that concurrent judgements carry equal legal weight with lead judgements. A concurring opinion by Justice Mary Odili, JSC, was cited as stating that the issue of disqualification from public office did not arise in the matter concerning Aondoakaa.
The case is reportedly the subject of further judicial proceedings, following claims that earlier judgements were obtained through misrepresentation. The matter remains pending before the courts.
Sources also said documents generated during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, and signed by senior officials of the Ministry of Justice, support the position that Chief Aondoakaa was not implicated in the Utan Bran case. Nigerian Concord Newspaper said it would publish the documents after concluding its investigation.
Further findings indicate that the former Attorney General was not linked to major cases such as the Halliburton scandal, the OPL 245 (Malabu) oil deal, or the recovery of Abacha-era assets.
Supporters of Aondoakaa also note that he was cleared by his party to participate in the 2023 governorship primary election, arguing that this further demonstrates that no court order barred him from holding public office.
Legal experts reaffirm that qualifications and disqualifications for elective office are constitutionally defined, citing the Supreme Court’s decision in Attorney-General of Abia State v. Attorney-General of the Federation, which established that constitutional provisions on eligibility cannot be expanded or restricted by implication.
An independent investigation by Nigerian Concord Newspaper has found no evidence linking a former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, SAN, to the Utan Bran compensation case or other alleged scandals at the Federal Ministry of Justice.
The investigation, conducted at the Federal Ministry of Justice, followed reports in sections of the media alleging misconduct by the former chief law officer of the federation.
Documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act indicate that Chief Aondoakaa was not involved in the legal firms that handled the Utan Bran compensation matter. Findings further show that the judgement debt related to the case was reportedly paid in 2006 under the tenure of a former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Bayo Ojo, SAN, during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Multiple officials at the Federal Ministry of Justice, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described Chief Aondoakaa’s tenure as one marked by adherence to the rule of law. The sources said court orders were generally complied with during his time in office.
They also questioned claims portraying the former Attorney General as emblematic of alleged institutional failings within the legal system, stating that no specific instance had been cited in which he abused public office or undermined court judgements.
Regarding reports suggesting that Chief Aondoakaa interfered with court processes during the post-election period of the 2007 National Assembly elections, sources within the ministry said available records do not support claims that he acted to obstruct court orders or delay the swearing-in of elected officials.
On questions surrounding eligibility to hold public office, legal practitioners pointed to established Supreme Court jurisprudence, which holds that concurrent judgements carry equal legal weight with lead judgements. A concurring opinion by Justice Mary Odili, JSC, was cited as stating that the issue of disqualification from public office did not arise in the matter concerning Aondoakaa.
The case is reportedly the subject of further judicial proceedings, following claims that earlier judgements were obtained through misrepresentation. The matter remains pending before the courts.
Sources also said documents generated during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, and signed by senior officials of the Ministry of Justice, support the position that Chief Aondoakaa was not implicated in the Utan Bran case. Nigerian Concord Newspaper said it would publish the documents after concluding its investigation.
Further findings indicate that the former Attorney General was not linked to major cases such as the Halliburton scandal, the OPL 245 (Malabu) oil deal, or the recovery of Abacha-era assets.
Supporters of Aondoakaa also note that he was cleared by his party to participate in the 2023 governorship primary election, arguing that this further demonstrates that no court order barred him from holding public office.
Legal experts reaffirm that qualifications and disqualifications for elective office are constitutionally defined, citing the Supreme Court’s decision in Attorney-General of Abia State v. Attorney-General of the Federation, which established that constitutional provisions on eligibility cannot be expanded or restricted by implication.
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