Moment Akpabio Insisted that ‘Cows Are Not Nigerian Citizens’ As Northern Senators Oppose Open Grazing Ban (Video) | #NwokeukwuMascot
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Akpabio Insists ‘Cows Are Not Nigerian Citizens’ As Northern Senators Oppose Move To Ban Open Grazing | #NwokeukwuMascot
In a contentious Senate session on Wednesday, Senate President Godswill Akpabio asserted that cows do not qualify as Nigerian citizens, as northern senators vociferously opposed a bill aiming to ban open grazing nationwide.
The proposed legislation, introduced by Senator Titus Zam of Benue North West, seeks to outlaw open grazing to mitigate longstanding conflicts between herders and farmers. The bill specifies regulations for establishing and managing ranches, promoting best practices to reduce disputes.
Despite the bill's objectives, it faced significant resistance from northern senators, including Danjuma Goje of Gombe and Adamu Aliero of Kebbi.
They argued that the bill infringes on the fundamental rights of citizens by restricting the free movement of herders and their cattle, a practice predominantly carried out in northern Nigeria. Senator Aliero emphasized the historical cattle routes extending from the far north to Lokoja, noting that the creation of 19 states in the region has complicated this traditional practice.
In response, Senate President Akpabio highlighted that the Nigerian constitution's protections do not extend to livestock.
"Cows are not citizens of Nigeria, Senator Aliero," Akpabio stated. "The section you are referring to is about the citizens of Nigeria, and cows are not citizens. They can come from Niger, Chad, or anywhere else."
Watch video below… 👇🏽
Supporters of the bill argued that a dedicated commission would effectively manage the farmers-herders crisis, advocating for the legislation's passage. After a voice vote, the bill was approved and referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Judiciary, and Legal Matters for further consideration within four weeks.
This legislative measure aims to address the challenges and conflicts related to cattle rearing, ensuring a more structured and sustainable approach to the industry across Nigeria.
#Senate #Akpabio #NorthernSenators #OpenGrazing
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