Open Grazing ban is final; Go to court if you’re not happy – Gov dares Federal Govt

Governor of Ondo State and Chairman of the South West Governors Forum, Rotimi Akeredolu, has lambasted the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami on his position that the Southern Governors had no right to ban open grazing of cattles in the region.

In was learnt that the AGF, faulted the decision of the Southern Governors on live television.

Reacting to the comment made by Abubakar Malami, Governor Rotimi in a statement signed by him on Thursday, said that the decision made by the Southern Governors was final and thereby irreversible.

The statement reads, “I 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.”

“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 response from reasonable people who know the distinction between a legitimate business that is not in anyway 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 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 baning open grazing and 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, ” the statement reads.