MACBAN Calls for Investigation Into Saraki Over Comments on IPOB Proscription

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The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), the umbrella body for Fulani herders, has criticized Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki over his reaction to the federal government’s proscription of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) as a terrorist organization.

Speaking with journalists in Makurdi, Benue State, MACBAN’s national coordinator, Garus Gololo, urged the federal government to launch a thorough investigation into Saraki’s activities. He questioned whether the Senate President might be aligned with IPOB’s leader, Nnamdi Kanu, or showing support for the group’s separatist agenda.

Gololo argued that IPOB’s recent actions pose a greater threat to national unity than the longstanding clashes between herders and farmers. He described Saraki’s statement—faulting the process through which IPOB was declared a terrorist organization—as “inciting” and a signal that Saraki may be sympathetic to IPOB’s agitation.

According to Gololo, Saraki’s comments were unbecoming of a national leader and raised concerns about his commitment to Nigeria’s unity. He claimed that Saraki’s position in the National Assembly had become questionable as a result.

He said:

“It is time for the federal government to thoroughly investigate Senator Bukola Saraki’s activities. His recent statements suggest he does not prioritize the interest of Nigeria. For a top government official to openly contradict his own government raises serious concerns.”

Gololo added that declaring IPOB a terrorist group was, in MACBAN’s view, the right move to safeguard Nigeria’s unity and prevent potential unrest.

Saraki had earlier criticized the proscription of IPOB, stating that the declaration by the Nigerian Army did not follow due legal process. However, he also praised the military for restoring calm in Abia State and other parts of the South-East following the unrest linked to IPOB activities.