The Chairman of the South West Governors Forum, Rotimi Akeredolu, has lambasted the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami on his position that the ban on open grazing by southern governors was akin to banning all spare parts trading in the North.
Timeline.ng had reported the minister describing as illegal the ban on open grazing.
“It is about constitutionality within the context of the freedom of expression enshrined in our constitution. Can you deny the rights of a Nigerian? “It is as good as saying the northern governors come together to say that they forbid spare part trading in the North,” Mr Malami had argued.
Responding, Akeredolu described Mr Malami as being unreasonable in his thinking and approach to the ban.
The Chairman in a statement personally signed by him on behalf of the southern governors in Akure, Ondo State said “lt is most unfortunate that the AGF is unable to distill issues as expected of a Senior Advocate.
He declared that “the ban on open grazing was irreversible and will be enforced.
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“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,” said Mr Akeredolu.
“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,” he said.
Mr Akeredolu also urged Mr Malami “to approach the court to challenge the legality of the laws of the respective states banning open grazing and 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.”
