Controversial cattle breeder association, the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore group has condemned in it’s entirety the anti-open grazing laws championed by some southern governors, Chief of which are the Oyo state governor; Engr. Seyi Makinde and Ondo state governor; Rotimi Akeredolu describing the law as satanic, politically undertoned and ‘anti-peace.’
Speaking on behalf of
the association, the group’s National Secretary, Selah Alhassan, toldhinted that legal paperwork is already underway and governors who already assented to the ‘satanic’ bill would hear from their lawyers.
He said, “I think such laws are not meant to engender peace in our nation because they are hateful, politically motivated and satanic. We don’t see anything good in such laws. While they are at it, God will not allow them to succeed, because these herders are innocent. They are also victims of insurgencies. I see the government playing politics with all these things, and the politics is not working for them. It is a process, not a one-man stream.”
Consequently, the group endeared the country’s Federal Government to Intervene and restrain governors who passed this law and others who might be thinking to also do so in order not to turn a once peaceful nation to a theatre of confusion and pandemonium because of selfish reasons.
“call these governors to order before they destroy the economy because they want to make laws.”
“We are all Nigerians so we call on the Federal Government, particularly Mr President and the National Assembly, to wade in and caution these governors because we cannot destroy an economy because you want to make laws. If you are doing anti-open grazing laws in Lagos, are there cattle grazing in Lagos? Those cows you see in Lagos are for sale. States like Lagos, Rivers, Bayelsa and to a larger extent, Ogun, don’t need to have any anti-open grazing law; what they need to do is regulate their abattoirs and their cattle markets. But, when you gang up and create laws against an economic group, there is nothing you will achieve.”
The Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotosho, in an interview with media persons disclosed that the state is ready to fight and defend the law in the ambit of the law.
He disclosed that the law, before it’s passage is a product of due diligence and deep research which considers the interests of all relevant stakeholders.
He said, “They are free to challenge the law. It is their right. I don’t know what they have against the law and the basis of their challenge. But the courts are there to determine such matters.
“This is a law made to clean up a filthy space and the interest of Miyetti Allah and everybody was considered before the law was made. Due process was followed; there was a public hearing; there were consultations. The law is solid and well made. If they serve us, we will be there to defend it.”
Similarly, Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Donald Ojogo, said there was nobody restricted from challenging the law.
He said, “The reason for the creation, existence and indeed, indispensability of the courts in any society is for situations like this.
“Not every legal effort reasonably deserves to suffice; yet, all deserve space in the court. So they are free to challenge the law. Even the southern governors had advised anyone who felt strongly against the anti-grazing law to approach the court.”
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