THE President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has argued that cows are not citizens of Nigeria, as some northern senators opposed moves to ban open grazing in the country.
Akpabio, who stated this in a viral video of the senate planary on Wednesday, June 5, followed heated debate and strong emotions in the Red Chamber over a Bill, sponsored by Senator Titus Zam, representing Benue North West, seeking to outlaw open grazing across the country to curb prenial conflicts between herders and farmers.
The proposed law outlines specific regulations for the establishment and management of ranches, promoting best practices and mitigating disputes between herders and farmers.
But there were stiff opposition to the Bill from Senator Danjuma Goje (Gombe) and Adamu Aliero (Kebbi), who saw the Bill as running against the fundamental rights of herders and their cattle to free movement.
They opponents of the Bill argued that cattle rearing and ranching activities are done more in northern part of the country than in other parts, saying lawmaking should be for the entire country and not for a section.
Aliero, inparticular, argued that cattle routes start from the far north and end in Lokoja and that the splitting of the northern region into 19 states has hampered the process.
But Akpabio stressed that cows should not be viewed as citizens of the country and so do not enjoy any proportion in the Nigerian constitution, insisting: “Cows are not citizens of Nigeria, Senator Aliero, are you arguing with me? The section you are referring to is talking about citizens of Nigeria.
“And cows are not citizens of Nigeria. Cows can come from Niger, Chad or anywhere.”
Other senators who supported the Bill stated that the proposed Commission would manage the farmers/herders crisis and called for its passage.
After it was put to voice vote by Akpabio, the Bill passed the Second Reading and was subsequently referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Judiciary and Legal Matters, which is expected to revert in four weeks.
The measure is designed to address the challenges and conflicts associated with cattle rearing by ensuring a more structured and sustainable approach to the industry that would limit, if not eradicate the encessant clashes between herders and farmers in most parts of the country that have led to loss of lives and properties.
