Grazing Routes: Southern Governors to meet over Federal Government’s stance on open grazing

The governors of the 17 states in Southern Nigeria may have to hold a meeting to deliberate on their next line of action as a result of President Muhammadu Buhari’s declaration that his government was planning to revive the cattle grazing routes of the First Republic.

The Southern Governors’ Forum had placed a ban on open grazing of cattle in the south of Nigeria in their first-ever meeting in Asaba, Delta State, a few weeks ago, a decision they took to stop the incessant clashes between herders and farmers and to contain the killings and kidnappings often blamed on herders.

They insisted on the ranching of cattle as the way forward, a position popularly supported by northern governors and the umbrella body of cattle breeders, Myetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN) and other Nigerians.

- Advertisement -

However, President Buhari’s government had faulted the Southern governors’ position, saying it infringed on the right of herders to free movement.
The president also granted an interview to a television station recently in which he said he had instructed the attorney general of the federation, Mr Shehu Malami, to bring up the old grazing routes of the First Republic for implementation.

However, southern governors have insisted on maintaining the decision to ban open grazing, which they took at the Asaba meeting until the forum decides otherwise, while some northern governors have said they are making plans for grazing reserves.

- Advertisement -

Ekiti State government has said that it will continue to abide by the decision of the Southern Governors’ Forum on the ban on open grazing.

READ ALSO: NDLEA nabs Uber driver, Balewa University undergraduate

The state commissioner for information, Mr Akinbowale Omole, said the stance of the governors on the issue remains effective until the forum decides otherwise.

Omole said, “The decision of the Southern governors on open grazing in the region was a joint one; as such the state cannot solely make a pronouncement against it.

“You know the decision was taken after a meeting of all governors from the zone, so we will have to wait for another joint meeting to know the next thing. So, we will not act unilaterally on the matter as a state and government.”

Similarly, the Osun State governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, has said the decision to ban open grazing was a collective decision of the Southern governor, therefore, the decision to reject or embrace the decision of President Muhammadu Buhari to revive grazing routes as contained in the First Republic gazette will be appropriately addressed jointly.

Speaking for the governor in Osogbo, his chief press secretary, Ismail Omipidan said it will not be appropriate for Governor Oyetola to solely react to an issue that concerns many states without a resolution by the parties concerned.

(Leadership)