“We Are Here to Govern, Not to Bury”: Tinubu’s Declaration Sparks Public Outcry Over Open Grazing Crisis
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bold statement—”The value of human life is greater than that of a cow. We are here to govern, not to bury”—has struck a chord across the nation, reigniting urgent conversations about Nigeria’s deadly open grazing crisis.
The comment, originally reported by The Guardian Nigeria, is seen by many as a long-overdue acknowledgment of the escalating violence in agrarian communities—especially in the Middle Belt and Benue State—where herder-farmer clashes have claimed countless lives and displaced thousands.
The quote gained viral traction after nightlife entrepreneur and social advocate Cubana Chief Priest shared it on his Instagram handle, pairing it with a fiery plea to the federal government. His message was nothing short of a rallying cry:
“End Public Grazing. The level of damage done is brutal. This madness has to stop. Feed your cattle in your ranches. Benue people sharpen your sword. No gree for anybody to kpai you. To defend yourselves no be crime! #BenueBleeds”
This emotionally charged appeal reflects the rising frustration among citizens who feel unprotected and unheard in the face of recurring attacks allegedly linked to open grazing routes and encroachments on farmlands.
Context & Fallout
Open grazing has long been a flashpoint in Nigeria’s national debate on land use, security, and constitutional rights. States like Benue have passed anti-open grazing laws, but enforcement has been uneven, and attacks continue. Tinubu’s statement, though firm, now places the burden of action on his administration to enforce and implement meaningful reforms.
Security analysts warn that without clear, enforceable policy shifts, words—even presidential ones—risk falling flat.
ANN Insight: While the presidency’s rhetoric may signal intent, what matters now is execution. Will this lead to a national ban on open grazing? Will ranching receive necessary support and investment? Or will this moment be another unkept promise buried under the weight of bureaucracy and politics?
One thing is certain: Nigerians, like Cubana Chief Priest and the embattled people of Benue, are tired of mourning and are demanding decisive leadership.
