Herders’ right of movement doesn’t extend to right of cattle destroying people’s farms – Oyetibo

Herders’ right of movement doesn’t extend to right of cattle destroying people’s farms – Oyetibo

A constitutional lawyer, Oyetibo (SAN), noted that it was correct to say that every Nigerian had a right to freedom of movement in any part of Nigeria.

He, however, explained that that right did not extend to cattle. He stated, “It does not include the right of cattle to destroy the farms of other people.

“If a governor passes as a law that prohibits open grazing, it is within the powers of the state government to do that. Such a ban does not in any way prevent other Nigerians or the Nigerians involved from moving freely within that state.”
The Chairman, Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, Sagay , said the ban ought to have the backing of each state House of Assembly.

He, however stated, “The governors are within their rights to ban open grazing. The Land Use Act gives them that power, so I think it is a straightforward matter.

“Millions of Nigerians in the South have had their families kidnapped, countless women have been raped and many farms destroyed. The statement by the Presidency does not show any concern for the Nigerians who have suffered from series of attacks by some of the herders. It is not a matter to be easily dismissed and the statement by the Presidency is regrettable.”