By Muhammad Goronyo,Sokoto
Addressing newsmen at the NUJ Press Center along Zuru road, Sokoto. The Chairman of the Sokoto Network For Good Governance, Usama Dandare said the position of the Southern governors against open grazing clearly implies that Fulanis herdsmen are not free to carry out their legitimate trade in that region of the country inspire of their guaranteed freedom.
He said they stand by the position of the Constitution and by implication, Attorney General of the Federation, that the governors declaration against open grazing is a blanket statement which lacks precision and, is legally wrong especially in view of the fact that not all Fulani herdsmen are criminals.
“Everyone has the right of free movement under S 41 of the Constitution, therefore no one, not even the governors have the right to stop free movement.
” There is no state law that can abrogate or substitute S 41 where a mere declaration by governors would stand as law by which certain citizens would be made to forgo such rights as guaranteed by the section of the Constitution “.
He further said it is the primary duty of the federal government to safeguard the lives and properties of everyone in Nigeria adding that as the Chief custodian of the Nigeria’s laws, if the duty imposed on the Attorney General to enlighten the governors on the unconditionality of their action.
“Yes, herdsmen or any group of persons who attack anyone or who carry prohibited arms commit a felony by law. Herdsmen or any group of persons who invade the property of others without permission, commit offence and must be prosecuted to the full extent of the law”, averred Usama.
