More discordant tune has trailed the directive by President Muhammadu Buhari for the review of 386 grazing reserves in 22 states.
Foremost human rights activist, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, on Sunday said Buhari cannot be talking of grazing routes in a 21st century Nigeria.
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He insisted that under the Land Use Act, the federal government has no control over state lands and said open grazing has become archaic.
Falana who spoke on Channels TV Sunday politics monitored by our correspondent noted that all the 36 state governors had already embraced the FG’s National Livestock Transformation Programme in a bid to stop open grazing.
He said, “With profound respect, the point has to be made that we need a united action, we need a national resolution, we need a scientific solution to address this issue.
“As far as the law is concerned, the President cannot be talking of looking for grazing routes in 2021 Nigeria. The Northern Governors’ Forum, the Southern Governors’ Forum, even Miyyeti Allah and other relevant stakeholders have come to the conclusion that open grazing is obsolete and no longer relevant.
“In this particular instance, apart from the Federal Capital Territory, the Land in every state in Nigeria is vested with the governor on behalf of the people. The President cannot impose any land policy on any of the governors.”
He stressed that the order for the review of the grazing routes is an exercise in futility as it conflicts with the law. In addition, it is against the dictate of “modern animal husbandry,” he stated, adding, “Open grazing cannot be allowed in this age.”
