Last week, the Nigerian presidency reportedly revealed that it had begun to implement its Rural Grazing Area (RUGA) Settlement project in 12 pilot states.
Ruga, as the project is popularly known requires states all over the country to provide settlement areas for herdsmen to graze their cattles.
The 'Ruga Settlements' has already commenced on a 31,000-hectare piece of land in Kotongora, Niger state https://t.co/YrFaTys4Yn #RugaSettlements #Herdsmen #Nigeria
— The Guardian Nigeria (@GuardianNigeria) June 25, 2019
This project, according to reports, aim to improve the Nigerian livestock industry and more importantly, put an end to the recurrent clashes between Fulani cattle rearers and farmers, which has led to the loss of many lives and properties across Nigeria.
Many Nigerians did not take the news well.
Updates
“Contrary to claims reported in sections of the media, the establishment of Ruga settlements is not being supervised by the Office of the Vice President.” https://t.co/P88fmweMgm #Ruga #Herdsmen #Nigeria
— The Guardian Nigeria (@GuardianNigeria) June 29, 2019
“Contrary to claims reported in sections of the media, the establishment of Ruga settlements is not being supervised by the Office of the Vice President.” https://t.co/P88fmweMgm #Ruga #Herdsmen #Nigeria
— The Guardian Nigeria (@GuardianNigeria) June 29, 2019
No ‘Ruga’ in South-East, South-South, says Umahi | The Guardian Nigeria News https://t.co/z6KOIpe1Fn
— Innocent Chukwuma (@chukwumacleen) June 30, 2019
“If there are negative comments being peddled around that some people are coming to take over Ekiti land, it’s a mere hearsay.” https://t.co/kLgrWyCbxC #Nigeria #RugaSettlement #Ruga
— The Guardian Nigeria (@GuardianNigeria) July 2, 2019
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Reactions
Whoever is importing those assault rifles for the fulani herdsmen should do well to import grass for them as well.
If they can trek from Borno to Imo,they can as well sit down and plant grasses for their cows while the Ministry of Agric provides irrigation.#NOTORUGA.— Ikenna Ndukwe,Arc. (@Dniigro_1) June 30, 2019
Killer Herdsmen have killed over 10,000 Nigerians under president Buhari yet none of them is on trial. We must not allow him reward them for killing innocent Nigerians. #NoToRUGA
— Comrade Deji Adeyanju (@adeyanjudeji) July 1, 2019
https://twitter.com/iSlimfit/status/1145979561303269376
Cattle herding is a business, & it should be treated as such.
Building settlements for cattle herders with our commonwealth is illegal to say the least. These cows are sold for profit, & how they’re fed should be part of the cost of rearing. #NoToRUGA
Image crdt: @tomiwale_ pic.twitter.com/MCiS1zfsoU— Ademola Ogunbanjo (@demolaogunbanjo) July 1, 2019
Ruga suspended
BREAKING NEWS: Federal Government Suspends Planned Ruga Programme. https://t.co/ehhjhUuRMB pic.twitter.com/UVGxSZJlkh
— Channels Television (@channelstv) July 3, 2019
Reactions;
https://twitter.com/henryshield/status/1146510934808113153
RUGA bit the bullet like Cattle Colony but this is not the last attempt. It will still come cloaked under another scheme. We must be vigilant and keep our eyes peeled. #NoToRUGA #NoToCattleColony #NoToDomination #NoToNepotism #RealCorruption pic.twitter.com/rAqKpDBE2r
— SEGA L'éveilleur® (@segalink) July 3, 2019
RUGA Settlement Contentions: The Root Cause of Fulani Herdsmen Killings Is Gen. Buhari - Onovo https://t.co/M7NJfFOAVl pic.twitter.com/XDUFctV7OP
— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) July 3, 2019
RUGA must be resisted pic.twitter.com/s7XpSrl2Vw
— Progress Ovoke Erhabo (@progresslead13) July 5, 2019
" If we force #RUGA on them in Edo, Osun, Ebonyi , Enugu and Benue, can we accept Piggery Farm from them in Kano, Katsina and Kebbi?
~ Eng Buba Galadima pic.twitter.com/wAWTiecaak
— I am Baba Idris (@babaidris090) July 3, 2019
Then we saw this video
Fulani Herdsmen group threaten violence over suspension of RUGA
This man is supposed to be arrested for threatening Nigerians and the peace of this nation pic.twitter.com/obRzkl8b3g
— Hon. Kelechi Nwogu (@honkelechinwogu) July 4, 2019
Reactions;
https://twitter.com/AndyMadaki/status/1146724879594639364
https://twitter.com/CACCOT1/status/1147044176804110338
https://twitter.com/CACCOT1/status/1146806021425422337
Is NBC not going to shut down @channelstv for airing a programme that allowed a bunch of cattle rearers threaten fire and brimstones on Nigerians if RUGA is not reversed in 30 days ???
John and Sola Momoh are another pair of Ex- NTA employees that sold their souls for money.
— One.acre (@NekkaSmith) July 4, 2019
Other reactions
"Taraba youths protest against #Ruga, asked FG to implement ranching"
This sheer ignorance is killing me
😂😂😂As if they are two different things? May we never allow ourselves to be ridiculed on live television like this.
— Abu Rayyan (@Abdulrahmanleme) July 4, 2019
To even imagine Buhari has still not signed the electoral amendment bill but was pushing RUGA shows you how dark his soul is...
— Babasola Kuti 🇬🇧 🇳🇬 (@RealSolaKuti) July 4, 2019
RUGA settlements were good when Atiku proposed them.
They're bad now, cos Buhari is proposing them.Some of you are mad and you need to know. pic.twitter.com/kO6Ce8OOkQ
— David Abdulrazak Atta (@the_davidatta) July 3, 2019
When they finally convert Sambisa to Republic of Ruga. pic.twitter.com/BkDVBfC7oa
— GOLKITDA ⚖️🦅 (@_Kamor) July 4, 2019
Read more reactions here. Read on for other trending stories on social media this week.
Re:COZA
In last week's roundup, we reported that Busola Dakolo -- Nigerian photographer and wife of popular singer Timi Dakolo -- accused Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo, Senior Pastor of the Commonweath of ZIon Assembly (COZA) of raping her when she was a teenager.
The drama continued this week. First, with a protest at the church's Lagos and Abuja branches on Sunday.
https://twitter.com/DavidIAdeleke/status/1145241474369544192
#stepdownpastor coza pastor paying 10k each to counter protest #cozaprotest pic.twitter.com/ddogOEo8Va
— K’lerry (@klerry010) June 30, 2019
https://twitter.com/natubabe1/status/1145255068029132800
Coza Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo advising his church members not to fight with any of the protesters outside the church but He didn’t mention a single thing about the rape matter he is being accused of doing!! And everyone is there hailing him 🤦🏾♂️🤦🏾♂️ #stepdownpastor #COZA pic.twitter.com/WUkaiHKZko
— Fents™ (@Nifemi_99) June 30, 2019
Check out this thread for more videos of the protests.
Reactions
Nigerians are vehemently protesting at Coza Lagos. Yet, millions (and even billions) of dollars go missing everyday in your country, but no one protests in front of the president's office. Leave the pastor and face your government. That's how to eliminate poverty.#stepdownpastor
— Tom Nick (@tom_nick_) June 30, 2019
An allegation was made against the man. He used his COZA letterhead paper to respond. Meaning, the response was on behalf of the incorporated trustees, management and the entire members and you don’t want people to take their protests to the church? You must be MAD! #ChurchToo
— M. M. Obono (@martobono) June 30, 2019
https://twitter.com/omoissyy/status/1145224044997939200
I attended coza today, pastor fatoyinbo is too sleek and eloquent, hard not to love him. His PR is top notch, you've got to give it to him but it's easy to tell that he is guilty as accused. Oh, modele fatoyinbo is a wife to have (enabler). I prefer legal action to media trials
— Topstar (@startop30) June 30, 2019
Pastor Biodun steps down
https://twitter.com/TheViralTrendz/status/1145634357627031552
Another victim comes out
Exclusive: Former staff of #COZA opens up on how #PastorFatoyinbo raped her. 🎥: @YNaijaTV pic.twitter.com/ORgksBct2W
— Y! Online (@YNaija) July 4, 2019
Reactions;
I told you all there would be more on COZA pastor, Biodun Fatoyinbo... Anyone out there still calling Busola a liar? With due respect, you are either very naive or have lost your humanity.
https://t.co/8tc9NBo5Ac— Akintayo Akintola (@akinakintayo12) July 4, 2019
https://twitter.com/d_legal_eagle/status/1146714255514902528
After watching the first 20 mins of this video and listening to another woman talk about being raped yet again by Pastor Biodun, we have to consider the strong possibility that Pastor Modele could be actively involved in grooming girls for her husband to exploit. #ChurchToo https://t.co/L3jNHMJXAj
— Yinka Chukwuemeka Ogunnubi (@yinkanubi) July 4, 2019
PASTOR BIODUN FATOYINBO IS A SERIAL RAPIST THAT DESERVES TO GO TO JAIL
Stepping down is not enough, HE HAS TO GO TO JAIL— PROSECUTE HAJIYA SAFIYA (@Iyunoluwa1) July 5, 2019
Kemi Olonloyo revealed her identity
https://twitter.com/HNNAfrica/status/1146764596184801280
Reactions;
Good day Ma. Pardon me but this is not journalism. This is just a clear case of irresponsibility. Whatever your reasons for doing this, you have no right to do so from here to the rings around Jupiter. https://t.co/DGfyQ6eNlM
— OZOLUA (@WaleOzolua) July 5, 2019
https://twitter.com/iam_magicpro/status/1146904541297893377
If Coza is using Kemi Olunloyo for PR, it is too sad and shameful.
— The Ankara Dentist aka Mrs Lash aka Dr Williams (@rolayomide) July 4, 2019
Kemi Olunloyo is the Queen of trolls in Nigeria. She got the Nigerian social media republic on her palms like ki lo de.......
— Káyọ̀dé Ògúndámisí 🇳🇬 (@ogundamisi) July 4, 2019
Read more reactions here.
Nigerian Senator assaults shop staff in Abuja
We have technology to thank for this one. This week, a CCTV footage of Senator Elisha Abbo -- a representative of the Adamawa-North senatorial district -- assaulting a woman began making rounds on social media.
In the video, a drunk Senator Elisha is seen attacking a sales staff in a sex toy shop. Peep the policeman beside the senator.
https://twitter.com/whizkrane/status/1146127885025067008
Updates
https://twitter.com/TheViralTrendz/status/1146307520597843968
IGP orders comprehensive and holistic investigation into the incident of an alleged assult on a female Nigerian by Senator Elisha Abbo.
— Nigeria Police Force (@PoliceNG) July 3, 2019
VIDEO: "As an Ambassador of Christ Jesus, I am sorry for beating a Woman" - Senator Elisha Abbo
"The embattled senator representing Adamawa North Senatorial district, Elisha Abbo, has publicly apologised to... https://t.co/QK72tnuU3O
— Káyọ̀dé Ògúndámisí 🇳🇬 (@ogundamisi) July 3, 2019
BREAKING: Senator Elisha Abbo arrives FCT police command for interrogationhttps://t.co/JeLe2CqZ8Z pic.twitter.com/1Nk3DXbY5w
— Punch Newspapers (@MobilePunch) July 4, 2019
Senator Elisha Abbo has been detained by the @PoliceNG for the assault on a woman in Abuja.
— Abubakar Sidiq Usman (@MrAbuSidiq) July 4, 2019
Reactions
I’ve seen the alleged assault video involving Sen. Elisha Abbo. The video is sad, inexcusable. I know the Senator quite well. But the law is clear and leaders must lead by example.
— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) July 3, 2019
https://twitter.com/omoba_scholes/status/1146148988690796544
I've been saying we need to pay attention to who we let into the National Assembly. Now look: a sitting senator caught on camera assaulting a woman. These are our "leaders".. our "lawmakers". Shame on us. Elisha Abbo should face the full wrath of the law:https://t.co/6XeHJ48mJF
— Banky Wellington (@BankyW) July 2, 2019
“I stand with you Babana. My husband is innocent of what people are saying”
-Emily, wife of Senator Elisha Abbo.“Hug your neighbour but ask permission o”- Modele, wife of Biodun Fatoyinbo (mocking rape victims).
Many times, women are the enablers of men who abuse fellow women.
— #OurFavOnlineDoc 🩺 🇬🇧 (@OurFavOnlineDoc) July 3, 2019
There's more
It gets worse.
Senator Elisha Abbo used to be married to an Igbo woman.
He used to beat her up mercilessly.She is dead now.
Several cases of domestic violence reports against him when she was alive.
— Ndi Kato (@YarKafanchan) July 4, 2019
Senator Elisha Abbo in fresh scandal as journalist accuses him of assaulthttps://t.co/IPqRcSn1nQ
— Punch Newspapers (@MobilePunch) July 4, 2019
Other reactions
We’ve been contacted by several entities on the infraction of Senator Elisha Abbo against a citizen of this country. Yes, he apologized and as Christians we have forgiven him but there is no sorry at Law especially as regards a contravention of the Law by a public officer. 👇🏽 https://t.co/Qfl7Pvcxsj
— SEGA L'éveilleur® (@segalink) July 4, 2019
https://twitter.com/OgbeniDipo/status/1146471947783540736
https://twitter.com/MissIgho/status/1146151719044288512
The case of Senator Elisha Abbo is very straightforward: the Police MUST IMMEDIATELY take three steps: 1. Arrest him (no formal complaint is needed with the evidence on tape) 2. Obtain his statement (if he’s willing to make one) and that of the victim 3. Arraign him in court.
— Festus Keyamo, SAN, CON, FCIArb (UK) (@fkeyamo) July 2, 2019
Read more reactions here.
Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram down!
On Wednesday this week, Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram stopped working at the same time.
https://twitter.com/smkdoss73/status/1146510777932632065
Is anyone else having problems with WhatsApp? 🤔 can't send photo or audio message #WhatsAppDown 🤦♀️🤦♂️ pic.twitter.com/ivaa8daMpP
— Sonia_mehar (@Soniamehar9) July 3, 2019
https://twitter.com/SlamDrop/status/1146528648503148546
Facebook image CDN is down, affecting Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp
“x-fb-response-reason: No server is available for the request” pic.twitter.com/2WtNiJd6jS
— Jane Manchun Wong (@wongmjane) July 3, 2019
All over the world, users of the platforms took to Twitter to react to the shut down of the Facebook-owned platforms.
Breaking News! IG & Facebook is Down ! & Clout chasing is down 45 percent !
— juicy j (@therealjuicyj) July 3, 2019
When you realise Mark Zuckerberg can actually end up 95% of your entire life by shutting down Facebook, Instagram & Whatsapp😖😖 pic.twitter.com/WAuTyLXzix
— THE MAYOR OF IFE (@HarmoyeH) July 3, 2019
Tried sending a picture on WhatsApp, didn't work.
Then went onto Facebook messenger, also didn't work.
Finally Instagram DM, again didn't work.
The problem when one company owns everything 🤦🏽♂️#whatsappdown #facebookdown #instagramdown
— Safwan AhmedMia (@SuperSaf) July 3, 2019
Instagram, Whatsapp and Facebook often go down together these days.
Right now I’m tempted to think Facebook is running on a majestic monolith Backend. Don’t @ me! 🌚🙄🤷🏿♂️
Props to the Ops/Engineering team. May the force be with you! pic.twitter.com/MchftGC1RN
— Odogwu Machalla (@unicodeveloper) July 3, 2019
Twitter is king!
https://twitter.com/Pinkbee_/status/1146471674835013632
#facebookdown#instagramdown
Twitter: 👑👑👑 pic.twitter.com/a1a2FdXkIH— E! News (@enews) July 3, 2019
Twitter when WhatsApp,Facebook and instagram went down#WhatsAppDownpic.twitter.com/Vz9s6qwv0q
— ITMS MEDIA (@ITMS_Media) July 3, 2019
People who only use twitter looking at people complaining about how Facebook and Instagram are down pic.twitter.com/ne9p6y2Pvs
— Ghetto Kenny✝️👑😈😇🇿🇲 (@Hants97) July 3, 2019
Facebook and Instagram's statements...on Twitter
We’re aware that some people are having trouble uploading or sending images, videos and other files on our apps. We're sorry for the trouble and are working to get things back to normal as quickly as possible. #facebookdown
— Meta (@Meta) July 3, 2019
We’re aware that some people are having trouble uploading or sending images and videos on Instagram. We're sorry for the trouble and are working to get things back to normal as quickly as possible. #instagramdown
— Instagram (@instagram) July 3, 2019
Other reactions
Someone said Mark Zuckerberg shut down whatsapp, facebook and instagram so that he'll trend on twitter pic.twitter.com/lNrDMzQGlk
— ❤️ Desire 👑 (@Haert_desire) July 3, 2019
https://twitter.com/waltermurimi92/status/1146508801027313665
People from Instagram, WhatsApp and Facebook joining Twitter for the first time wondering how it works#whatsappdown pic.twitter.com/w6t1N1j2dN
— Marvel_lo_lo (@Marvel_lo_lo) July 4, 2019
Thanks to Mark Zuckerberg families can now have family time with no phones at the dinner table for once pic.twitter.com/i9Xq1UkEKm
— Slyza Tsotsi (@DopeBoyOdi) July 3, 2019
Read more reactions here.
This week in a few tweets
https://twitter.com/wired_physician/status/1146769035641675776
https://twitter.com/DrOlufunmilayo/status/1146458411573370884
https://twitter.com/HislordshipB/status/1146325494402605056
Extra!
- Big Brother Naija Pepper Dem.
- Naira Marley's controversial "Soapy" dance.
- Olamide's baby mama drama.
- #FreeMadonna7.