Open Grazing Ban: Southern Governors Forum Replies Presidency
- The Southern Governors Forum is not backing down on its ban on open grazing across southern Nigeria
- Responding to the stance of the presidency on the issue, the forum stated that no land in the region would be ceded to herdsmen
- The forum also noted that it is their duty to protect the people of southern Nigeria from invaders posing as herdsmen
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The Southern Governors Forum has responded to the claims by the presidency that its ban on open grazing across southern Nigeria does not have any legal backing in the eyes of the law.
Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state who also doubles as the chairman of the forum dismissed the stance of the presidency and insisted that southern states will ensure the law comes to full effect soon.
The statement signed by the special assistant on special duties, Dr. Doyin Odebowale, maintained that no inch of land in the southern part of the country would be ceded to anybody under any guise.
Source: Twitter
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The forum maintained that its members have the constitutional right as elected representatives of the people to decide on issues affecting their citizens.
Similarly, the Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has cautioned the Buhari-led government to desist from imposing Fulani from all parts of Africa on Nigeria, insisting that Nigeria is not a Fulani colony.
Vanguard reports that the national president of MBF, Dr. Bitrus Pogu sounded the warning Tuesday, May 25 in Makurdi while reacting to the statement by Shehu who questioned the legality of the decision of southern governors to ban open grazing.
Meanwhile, the Northern Elders’ Forum (NEF) has accused leaders in Nigeria’s southern regions of ganging up against the north.
The forum lamented that the situation has instilled fear in northerners, especially Fulani residing in different parts of the country.
NEF spokesman, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, in a statement on Tuesday, May 25 claimed that southern leaders also subtly backing secessionists and ethnic warlords.
Legit.ng had earlier reported that the governors of the 17 states in southern Nigeria met in Asaba, the Delta state capital, on Tuesday, May 12.
At the meeting, the governors discussed several issues including lopsided appointments by the federal government, security, open cattle grazing, and restructuring of Nigeria.
The governors also agreed to ban open grazing in southern Nigeria due to the insecurity challenges in the region.
Source: Legit.ng
