Federal Government has liken Governors ban on open grazing to prohibiting spare parts trading in the north.
Minister of Justice and Attorney-general of the Federation, Abubakar Malami made it known during an interview with Channel Television yesterday.
Malami said cannot deny the right of movement by any citizens, as constitution made clear on the subject matter.
Recalls that Southern Governors’ Forum last week resolved to ban open grazing of Cattle across the region due to security reasons.
Create an agency for herdsmen – AGF Malami advises Buhari
The resolutions of the southern governors have been greeted with mixed reactions from different parts of the country.
According to the Minister, the decision “does not hold water” in the context of human rights as enshrined in the constitution.
“It is about constitutionality within the context of the freedoms expressed in our constitution. Can you deny the rights of a Nigerian?” he queried.
“It is as good as saying, perhaps 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?”
He, therefore, urged Southern governors to approach the National Assembly and get the necessary support to amend the constitution before they can take such kind of action on constitutionally-backed liberties.
“It is indeed a dangerous position for any governor in Nigeria to think that he can bring about any compromise to the freedom and liberty of individuals to move around,” he said.
The AGF said the governors need to put their own houses in order first, instead of concentrating in anything that will tamper the peaceful coexistence in the country.
