Categories: Politics

Malami Slams Southern Governors Over Open Grazing Ban

 

 

Nigeria’s Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, has attacked southern governors over their decision to ban open grazing in their states.

Speaking on the Channels Television‘s Politics Today programme on Wednesday, Malami said the move by the 17 governors was unconstitutional.

“It is about constitutionality within the context of the freedoms expressed in our constitution. Can you deny the rights of a Nigerian?

“For example, it is as good as saying, perhaps, maybe, the northern governors coming together to say they prohibit spare parts trading in the north.

“Does it hold water? Does it hold water for a northern governor to come and state expressly that he now prohibits spare parts trading in the north?”

Malami urged the governors to first amend the Constitution to prohibit open grazing before going ahead with their decision.

“If you are talking of constitutionally guaranteed rights, the better approach to it is to, perhaps, go back to ensure the Constitution is amended,” he said.

“Freedom and liberty of movement among others is established by the Constitution. If by an inch you want to have any compromise over it, the better approach is to go back to the National Assembly to say open grazing should be prohibited and see whether you can have the desired support for the constitutional amendment

“It is a dangerous provision for any governor in Nigeria to think he can bring any compromise on the freedom and liberty of individuals to move around.”

 

The 17 southern governors met last week in Asaba, hosted by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and resolved to ban open grazing and movement of cattle by foot in the region as some kidnappings and killings in the Southern region have been traced to criminal elements amongst herders.

Chairman of the Southern Governor’s Forum, Rotimi Akeredolu, explained that the decision is not new and most of the governors have placed a ban on open grazing in their states before the meeting.

“We felt that … this open grazing must stop. It is causing a lot of problems particularly between the herders and the farmers. Whether we like it or not, times have changed and this must change. We must adopt a modern system of animal husbandry.

“In this day and age, they cannot continue taking cows by foot from Kano to Port Harcourt,” he said.

The governor said the Federal government needs to throw its weight behind state governments that want to set up ranches, noting that this will benefit the herders who are exposed to dangers as they roam with their cattle.

Nebianet Usaini

Disqus Comments Loading...
Share
Published by
Nebianet Usaini

Recent Posts

Good Friday: Obaseki Tasks Christians On Sacrifice, Tolerance

He noted, “I celebrate with our Christian brothers and sisters as we mark Good Friday,…

4 mins ago

Governor Otu Felicitates Tinubu At 72

Wishing the president god's protection, good health and long life, the governor said: "I want…

20 mins ago

Evan Gershkovich: Determined US Reporter Jailed In Russia

His arrest in March 2023 on charges of spying -- the first such charge against…

32 mins ago

Calls For ‘Smartphone Free’ Childhood Grow In UK

The post in February triggered a tidal wave of reaction from parents similarly gripped by…

42 mins ago

Do Not Denigrate Nigeria In Your Sermons, Tinubu Appeals To Religious Leaders

He urged the leaders to be more constructive in their criticism of those in elective…

8 hours ago

Soldiers’ Death: Wanted Delta Monarch Turns Self In

Before he turned himself in to the police, the monarch spoke to journalists, insisting on…

10 hours ago