The Chairman of the Southern Governors Forum, Rotimi Akeredolu insists that there is no going back on the band on open grazing in any of their states.
Responding to the statement by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice that the ban is unconstitutional and holds no water, #Akeredolu said that Malami’s position is annoying and betrays a terrible mindset.
READ: Southern States Governors Meet in Asaba, Ban Open Grazing (video)
Malami also likened the ban the possibility of Northern Governors also banning the trade of spare parts in the north.
The Minister was responding to questions on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday.
Akeredolu also made his mind known in an open letter to the Malami caption: OUR DECISION IS IRREVERSIBLE AND WILL BE ENFORCED
“I have just read the press statement credited to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Shehu 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 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 the 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.”
SIGNED
ARAKUNRIN OLUWAROTIMI O AKEREDOLU, SAN
GOVERNOR, ONDO STATE
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