Despite FG’S caution on open grazing ban: Southern govs fix Sept 1 for take-off, reject Senate’s 3% equity to host oil communities

The Southern Governors Forum Monday rose from its meeting in Lagos with a declaration that the ban on open grazing will take effect from September 1 across member states.

This came against the backdrop of the federal government’s subsisting position that the declaration could amount to infringing on citizens’ fundamental rights of movement.

The governors are of the view that more than any other factor, the incursion of armed herders, criminals and bandits into the southern part of the country has presented a severe security challenge which has made life unbearable for citizens in their respective states.

The open grazing, a practice of moving animals, particularly cows from one point to the other for the purpose of feeding, has resulted in frequent clashes between farmers whose farmlands were always destroyed by the cattle, and their owners.

This, in most cases, has often led to many fatalities on both sides, depending  on which side had the superior firepower.   

FG’s stand

At its maiden meeting in Asaba, Delta state in May, the southern governors announced its opposition to open grazing, an issue that has been dogged by some controversies.

And consequent upon this,  Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice  Abubakar Malami, SAN, said  the decision to ban open grazing by southern governors is unconstitutional.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today Programme, Malami had said: “It is about constitutionality within the context of the freedoms expressed in our constitution. Can you deny the rights of a Nigerian?

“For example: it is as good as saying, perhaps, maybe, the northern governors coming together to say they prohibit spare parts trading in the north.

“Does it hold water? Does it hold water for a northern governor to come and state expressly that he now prohibits spare parts trading in the north?”

On how to resolve the logjam, the AGF had said: “If you are talking of constitutionally guaranteed rights, the better approach to it is to perhaps go back to ensure the Constitution is amended.

“Freedom and liberty of movement among others established by the constitution, if by an inch you want to have any compromise over it, the better approach is go back to the National Assembly to say open grazing should be prohibited and see whether you can have the desired support for the constitutional amendment.

“It is a dangerous provision for any governor in Nigeria to think he can bring any compromise on the freedom and liberty of individuals to move around.”

Southern govs dare FG

Notwithstanding the federal government’s position, the southern governors Monday announced its resolve to kick-start the ban on open grazing in their states September 1.

In a communiqué at the end of the meeting held in Lagos, the governors reviewed the situation in the country with focus on the current security situation, constitutional amendment and Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).

The communiqué was read by the forum’s Chairman and Governor of Ondo state, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN.  

Akeredolu said the governors “re-affirmed their commitment to the unity of Nigeria on the pillars of equity, fairness, justice, progress and peaceful co-existence between and amongst its people.

“The Forum reiterates its commitment to the politics of equity, fairness and unanimously agrees that the presidency of Nigeria be rotated between Southern and Northern Nigeria and resolved that the next president of Nigeria should emerge from the Southern Region.”

On security, “the Forum reviewed the security situation in the country and commends security operatives for their relentless efforts in restoring security and safety and commiserates with families and loved ones of those who have fallen in the line of duty; re-emphasised the need for State Police; resolved that if for any reason security institutions need to undertake an operation in any State, the Chief Security Officer of the State must be duly informed.”
“The forum frowns at selective criminal administration of Justice and resolved that arrests should be made within the ambit of the Law and fundamental human rights; set a timeline of Wednesday, 1st September, 2021 for the promulgation of the anti open grazing law in all member States; and resolved that Funds deducted from the Federation Account for the Nigeria Police Security Trust Fund should be distributed among the States and Federal Government to combat security challenges,” the communiqué further stated.

On the recently passed Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) Law, Akeredolu said “ the Forum commends the National Assembly for the progress made in the passage of the PIB;  the Forum rejects the proposed 3% and supports the 5% share of the oil revenue to the host community as recommended by the House of Representatives.
“The forum also rejects the proposed 30% share of profit for the exploration of oil and gas in the basins. However, the forum rejects the ownership structure of the proposed Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC).

“The Forum disagrees that the company be vested in the Federal Ministry of Finance but should be held in trust by Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) since all tiers of Government have stakes in that vehicle.”

On the pending Electoral Bill before the National Assembly, the communiqué said:  “In order to consolidate our democracy and strengthen the Electoral process, the Southern Governors’ Forum reject the removal of the Electronic transmission of the election result from the electoral act; and also rejects the confirmation of exclusive jurisdiction in pre-election matters on the Federal High Court.

“The Forum unanimously chose Lagos State as its permanent secretariat and appreciated the Governor of Lagos State for the wonderful hosting of this meeting while commending him for his good work in the State.”