By Harry Awurumibe, Editor, Abuja Bureau
Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, has said that the recent decisions of the Governors of Southern Nigeria, including ban on open grazing across the region is irreversible.
Mr Akeredolu, SAN, was reacting to a statement credited to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, that the decision of the southern governors was unconstitutional.
Mr. Malami had said the decision to ban open grazing in the Southern parts is akin to banning all spare parts dealers in the Northern parts of Nigeria, saying it is unconstitutional.
But, Governor Akeredolu faulted the AGF’s position, insisting there is clear distinction between a legitimate business and act of criminality, asking him to challenge their decision in court.
“I have just read the press statement credited to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami SAN on the resolution of the Southern Governors Forum to ban open grazing in their respective States. The AGF is quoted to have said that this reasoned decision, among others, is akin to banning all spare parts dealers in the Northern parts of the country and is unconstitutional.
“It is most unfortunate that the AGF is unable to distill issues as expected of a Senior Advocate. Nothing can be more disconcerting. This outburst should, ordinarily, not elicit a response from reasonable people who know the distinction between a legitimate business that is not in any way injurious and a certain predilection for anarchy.
Clinging to an anachronistic model of animal husbandry, which is evidently injurious to the harmonious relationship between the herders and the farmers as well as the local populace, is wicked and arrogant.
“Comparing this anachronism, which has led to loss of lives, farmlands and property, and engendered untold hardship on the host communities, with buying and selling of auto parts is not only strange. It, annoyingly, betrays a terrible mindset.
“Mr Malami is advised to approach the court to challenge the legality of the Laws of the respective States banning open grazing and a decision of the Southern Governor’ Forum taken in the interest of their people. We shall be most willing to meet him in Court.
“The decision to ban open grazing stays. It will be enforced with vigour,” Akeredolu pointedly said.
Prompt News Online reports that the governors under the auspices of the Southern Governors’ Forum, had unanimously banned open grazing across the region and vowed to enforce it.
