The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II says contrary to widespread report, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) is not a violent organization. He explained that the group was established to protect the fundamental rights of herdsmen as Nigerians including constitutional rights to freedom of movement and the ownership of private and peaceful conduct of their business.
The Emir made this disclosure on Saturday in a chat with Punch. According to him;
“As I understand it when Miyetti Allah was first set up , they requested a few Fulani emirs to be their patrons in their capacity as emirs. The first grand patron was Sultan Abubakar III and he was replaced by successive sultans – Dasuki, Maccido and Saad Abubakar now.
“Other patrons were emir of Kano, Lamido of Adamawa and emirs of Zazzau and Katsina, I believe. So, my predecessor was a patron and on my ascension to the throne, I became a patron. This is all nominal. To the best of my knowledge, Miyetti Allah has never been involved in acts of violence and has always condemned violence and called on its members to eschew violence.
“It is, however, committed to protecting the fundamental rights of herdsmen as Nigerians including constitutional right to freedom of movement and the ownership of private wealth and peaceful conduct of their business.”
Apart from himself, the Emir named the Sultan of Sokoto, Lamido of Adamawa and emirs of Zazzau and Katsina, as the grand patrons of the group.
