Forms For Jonathan? Count Us Out – MACBAN
BY SEGUN ADEBAYO – Despite his rejection of the freebies All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential Nomination forms, controversies now reigns over who actually bankrolled the project meant to draft former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan into the 2023 presidential contest.
And raising dust over the sponsorship origin is Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) which has distanced itself from the so-called ‘Jonathan for President’ initiative.
Clearly angry that media reports have continued to claim that its members procured APC forms for the former President, MACBAN categorically stated that it did not and will not buy any form for any candidate contesting the 2023 general elections.
According to the body, there are far more important issues and needs that require urgent financial interventions for its members, especially in relation to those being uprooted, maimed, and killed in the South East and several other States, than buying forms for politicians.
However, a statement by its National Secretary, Baba Othman Ngelzarma, said MACBAN will only support a candidate that shows commitment to ending the suffering of its members after the conclusion of party primaries.
The statement said: “The attention of MACBAN has been drawn to a trending story in which we are being quoted as having bought a presidential nomination form for former President Goodluck Jonathan for the 2023 elections.
“We wish to make it clear that MACBAN did not and will not buy any form for any Candidate contesting elections.
“MACBAN does not see any gain in this kind of profligate enterprise that adds no value to the millions of our members who are wallowing in poverty as a result of banditry, cattle rustling, and the dastardly activities of self-appointed vigilantes who for all intent and purpose are committed to executing genocide.”
Insisting that the Association will resist any attempt to drag it into partisan politics, the statement further said; “We believe politics should be left to politicians, we see no mileage in supporting any politician when we are overwhelmed by the crisis being faced by our members Nationwide.
“We call on the media to take their time to understand the difference between the various fulbe organisations and avoid dragging us into political mud”.
