The Chairman of the South West Governors Forum, Rotimi Akeredolu, has cautioned the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami against his comments on the ban of open grazing by southern governors.
Akeredolu 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 open grazing was irreversible and will be enforced.
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.
Akeredolu’s statement reads “l have just read the press statement credited to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami on the resolution of the Southern Governors Forum to ban open grazing in their respective States.
Clinging to an anachronistic model of animal husbandry, which is evidently injurious to a 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 the 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 decision of the Southern Governor Forum taken in the interest of their people.
Akeredolu, therefore, declared that “The decision to ban open grazing stays. It will be enforced with vigour.”
