By Awwal Umar Kontagora The Fulani socio-cultural group, MOGGAL Pulako Development Association, has pledged unwavering support for both th...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
The Fulani socio-cultural group, MOGGAL Pulako Development Association, has pledged unwavering support for both the federal and Niger State governments, vowing to ensure their re-election with a landslide victory in the next polls.
This was disclosed by the National Chairman of the association and political aide to Governor Umaru Bago, Alhaji Sani Juli, during a media briefing at the group’s Niger State secretariat. The briefing followed the inauguration of a special committee tasked with sensitizing Fulani herders on the importance of obtaining voter identification cards.
Alhaji Juli praised the administrations of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Umaru Bago for their unprecedented inclusion of the Fulani community in governance, stating that past governments failed to give the Fulani people such meaningful representation.
“In the past, we struggled for inclusion, but only now—under Tinubu at the federal level and Bago in Niger State—are we truly being heard,” he said. “Governor Bago promised to create a Ministry for Pastoralists and Farmers, and he fulfilled that promise after winning the election. It's the first of its kind in the country’s history, and he appointed one of our own to head it.”
He noted that this model of inclusive governance inspired President Tinubu to replicate the idea at the federal level by establishing a Ministry of Livestock Development, which several states are now adopting. He further pointed to the appointment of Malam Nuhu Ribadu as National Security Adviser and Senator Shehu Buba as head of the Special Duties Advisory Committee as evidence of the Fulani community’s increasing political relevance.
“Now that these governments have honored us, it is only right that we return that honor by giving them even greater support and more votes than before,” Sani Juli said.
He explained that MOGGAL—an acronym rooted in the Fulani values of modesty, obedience, and respect for elders—is committed to preserving cultural values, promoting peace, and supporting good governance.
“A true Pullo is not a criminal, is not a vagabond, and does not break the law. We must reject the false narrative that herders are terrorists. Our tradition teaches discipline, respect, and loyalty to the law,” he stated.
Sani Juli emphasized that the newly formed committee will play a vital role in helping Fulani migrants—those displaced by insecurity or drawn to Niger State due to improved grazing infrastructure—access voter registration and exercise their civic rights. The committee will also work to prevent the harassment or disenfranchisement of Fulani communities, which he said has been a recurring issue in some areas.
He urged Fulani parents to support government educational initiatives by enrolling their children in both formal and religious schools, stressing that education is key to future prosperity. “In places like Gombe, Bauchi, and Adamawa, the Fulani are excelling in education. Their wealth is growing, and their youth are not vulnerable to manipulation. That is the path we must follow,” he said.
Commenting on insecurity, Sani Juli acknowledged the suffering endured by Fulani communities due to banditry and violence but cautioned against revenge-based terrorism. “Many of our people have been killed and impoverished. But retaliation through crime will only lead to more destruction. We must educate our youth to avoid this dangerous path.”
He called on the Fulani community to embrace truth, peace, and learning, assuring them that the government is willing to support their development and improve their quality of life.
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