Rights activist, Madubuachi Idam has highlighted why President Bola Tinubu should not assent the Bill to ban open grazing in Nigeria if its seeks to establish ranches with public funds.
Idam noted that herders contribute 60 per cent to the security crisis in Nigeria.
On Wednesday, the Bill for an Act to ban open grazing and establishment of ranches had scaled second reading at the Senate.
The Bill did not pass its second reading without a slightly heated debate amongst the lawmakers.
Creation of ranches, as captured in the Bill is seen as an antidote for the perennial violent clashes between sedentary farmers and nomadic herders in Nigeria.
The Red chamber of the Nigerian legislature also proposed a national summit on the matter, in addition to a public hearing for a comprehensive solution.
Motion on the matter was moved by Senator Titus Zam representing Benue North-West.
The lawmaker argued, in his lead debate, that the menace of farmers and herders’ crises can easily be cured through a legislative therapy banning open grazing in Nigeria.
But, chatting with DAILY POST, Idam said: “The Bill to ban open grazing which scaled second reading on the 5th of June 2024, in the Senate, is desirable and must be commended especially given that herders contribute over 60% of the Security crisis in Nigeria.
“However, Mr President must refrain from accenting to such a Bill if it seeks to establish ranches with public funds except provision for similar support to other forms of farming is adequately made.
“Pastoralism in Nigeria is not state owned, it remains a private business which is not different from any other forms of business engaged by Nigerians and must not enjoy government patronage over and above other forms of private businesses in Nigeria.
“Cattle breeding is not more important than cassava or yam farming. They too deserve government support equally. Hypocrisy does not grow any nation.”
Why Tinubu must not assent Bill banning open grazing – Lawyer, Idam