‘Open grazing ban’ is Constitutional breach, Malami replies Southern governors

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice has reacted to Southern governors decision to ban open grazing in the zone.

Speaking on Channels Television, he said Southern governors’ resolution after their meeting in Asaba, Capital of Delta State was in clear breach of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

He likened the ban of open grazing to ‘banning of spareparts trading in the Northern parts of the country’, which he posited was wrong.

Southern governors on Tuesday last week ban open grazing and the movement of cattle by foot, after a meeting in Asaba, Delta State.

The forum which was a blend of All Progressives Congress and Peoples Democratic Party governors also demanded for restructuring of the Nigerian federation.

Malami argued that it was about the Constitution that didn’t permit governors to inhibit anybody right of movement.

“For example, it’s as good as saying the northern governors coming together to say they forbid spare parts trading in the north. Does it hold water?”

Malami advised the governors to seek constitutional amendment to enable them come up with the decision, saying as it were, they lacked powers to ban open grazing.

“The governors must approach the National Assembly and get the necessary support to amend the constitution before they can take such a huge 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.

Baring his mind on calls for restrucruring, he berated the governors for not ensuring the functioning of Local Government Area, but calling for restructuring.