The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural organisation Afenifere; Igbo socio-political groups Ohanaeze Ndigbo and MASSOB, have expressed support for the bill assented to by the Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, which categorises grazing with arms in the state as terrorism.
But the umbrella body for northern groups, the Arewa Consultative Forum, however, said any law which contravened the constitution of the country would be illegal, adding that any Nigerian was free to move in any part of the country.
Fayose had, while signing the ‘prohibition of cattle and other Ruminants Grazing in Ekiti 2016’ into law on Monday, said any herdsman, caught with any form of weapons while grazing his cattle in any part of the state, would be arrested and charged with terrorism.
ACF, which spoke through its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Muhammad Ibrahim, on Tuesday, said any law passed by Ekiti State, which contradicted the law of the Federal Government should be considered null and void.
“The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees free movement of Nigerians as long as they pursue their legitimate business,” Ibrahim added.
The ACF, however, described any individual or group that illegally carried arms against the state as a criminal.
The Yoruba and Igbo groups support the bill, Arewa group believes it's contrary to the constitution
But the President, Civil Liberties Organisation, Igho Akeregha, said the grazing law in Ekiti State was a two edged sword.
He said, “Herdsmen have a right to freedom of movement with their cattle anywhere in Nigeria but while enjoying that right; they cannot be killing people anywhere they go, which is a violation of the right to life.
“Since the Governor is the Chief Security Officer of the state and has a corresponding duty to secure lives and property, the anti-grazing bill signed by Governor Ayodele Fayose is therefore in order.”
But the umbrella body for northern groups, the Arewa Consultative Forum, however, said any law which contravened the constitution of the country would be illegal, adding that any Nigerian was free to move in any part of the country.
Fayose had, while signing the ‘prohibition of cattle and other Ruminants Grazing in Ekiti 2016’ into law on Monday, said any herdsman, caught with any form of weapons while grazing his cattle in any part of the state, would be arrested and charged with terrorism.
ACF, which spoke through its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Muhammad Ibrahim, on Tuesday, said any law passed by Ekiti State, which contradicted the law of the Federal Government should be considered null and void.
“The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees free movement of Nigerians as long as they pursue their legitimate business,” Ibrahim added.
The ACF, however, described any individual or group that illegally carried arms against the state as a criminal.
The Yoruba and Igbo groups support the bill, Arewa group believes it's contrary to the constitution
But the President, Civil Liberties Organisation, Igho Akeregha, said the grazing law in Ekiti State was a two edged sword.
He said, “Herdsmen have a right to freedom of movement with their cattle anywhere in Nigeria but while enjoying that right; they cannot be killing people anywhere they go, which is a violation of the right to life.
“Since the Governor is the Chief Security Officer of the state and has a corresponding duty to secure lives and property, the anti-grazing bill signed by Governor Ayodele Fayose is therefore in order.”
apart 4rm killin, dey dnt av any moral or legal right 2 disrupt peoples crop.i go with fayose on ds.u need 2 curtail d excesses of some people, if nt dem go mis do.
ReplyDeleteFrom what i heard in the news, Governor Fayose categorically said that only herdsmen with weapons will be regarded as criminals and terrorists. Well, illegal possession of weapons is a crime so i think the law is in order. Though it should be carefully monitored so that some people will not use it for their selfish interests or as a tool for personal vendetta.
ReplyDeleteJust passing by
ReplyDeleteThugnor oshokomole trying to create tribal wars, but he will not succeed
ReplyDeleteHuge Kudos to the People's Governor.
ReplyDeleteThe law is in order. It does not infringe on the free movement of Nigerians within all parts of the Country, neither did the law say that the fulani herdsmen cannot graze in Ekiti state. All it says are:
a) Any Fulani herdsman carrying arms while grazing is classified as a terrorist.
b) If you wish to graze then ask for designated grazing land which the state will allot to you so that there are no clashes with Farmers.
God bless you Governor Fayose. Other states should immediately copy this law.
In the core north there are designated places for strangers called Sabon Gari, therefore allotting grazing land like Governor Fayose has done is perfectly in order.
ReplyDeleteSeen..
ReplyDeleteOk
ReplyDeleteArewa ko Arewa ni, who will the fly follow before if not the ass with poo
ReplyDeleteThe main thing is to foster unity & peace in the country among all tribes residing anywhere in the country. Herdsmen should abide by the rules of the state, while the state government too should accord them the respect they deserves.
ReplyDelete