ABUJA, Nigeria — The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeder Association, MACBAN, has requested that President Bola Tinubu include one of its members in his administrative cabinet, even if the position is as humble as that of an office sweeper.
This demand, made by the Southeast zonal leader of MACBAN, Gidado Siddikki, highlights the association’s desire for inclusion and recognition, citing the substantial support they offered President Tinubu during his election campaign.
“During the election to my knowledge, my people (Fulanis), voted for President Tinubu because of his predecessor, President Mohammadu Buhari. Buhari told my people to vote for Tinubu, and they all did so. They pray, supported, endorsed and did everything politically possible to ensure his victory. So he should not abandon us,” Siddikki said while addressing journalists in Awka on Wednesday, August 2, 2023.
Siddikki emphasized the association’s disappointment at not having any members included in the President’s appointments to boards, parastatals, or even among the recent Senate-screened ministerial nominees.
“Apart from exempting us from the N8,000 proposed palliative and other benefits of the Government, he should appoint us too, even as sweepers at the Presidential Villa we are okay with that,” he said.
The Miyetti Allah’s call for a place in government, even in a modest capacity, reflects a broader aspiration for involvement in national affairs, recognition of their contributions to society, and participation in governmental decision-making.
While commending the support from the South East Governors, Siddikki also urged the government at all levels to invest in the livestock sector, warning that without proper funding and attention, the industry might face extinction.
The association’s plea for inclusion in President Tinubu’s cabinet draws attention to the delicate balance required in Nigerian politics, where ethnic, regional, and special interest groups vie for representation and influence.
The response from the Presidency to this request could set a precedent for how such appeals are handled in the future, providing insight into President Tinubu’s approach to governance and inclusivity.
