By Ogbitse Meyiwa
Reacting to a bill titled ‘National Animal Husbandry and Ranches Commission bill, The Deputy President of the Senate Jibrin Barau kick start opposition against the bill. The bill which was presented by the senator representing Benue State, Senator Titus Tartenger Zam, has provoked serious discussion among the Senate members.
On Wednesday, Barau used the semantic formula arguing that the bill upon becoming law would in effect force the Fulani herders back to their respective states. He said that if this were to be implemented, many herders would not even know their origins much less be ready to go back to their homelands. “This bill is indeed a vain effort as we are trying to eject Fulani herders; unfortunately, many of them cannot tell which state they hail from”, Barau reasoned.
Furthermore, Barau argued that the proposed legislation is unconstitutional, with a violation of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, as amended, on a person’s freedom to choose his or her place of residence. He stressed that every Nigerians having the right to wish to live in any part of the country of his/her choice should be allowed, no force or coercive measure should be taken to compel such a person to move.
”These are clear infringement of our constitutional provisions, Barau declared in reference to the bill” That is why we must do all we can to defend the principles of the constitution of this country, and especially the right to residence that is stipulated in the constitution. This proposed act diminishes these basic rights of the people and paves the way for more advanced infringement on freedom of residence by the government.
The bill has engendered an extensive debate regarding the identity of the nomadic people . That way there are many considerations that lawmakers have to consider as they continue to debate on the best course of action.
Intense focus will remain on the Senate as it debates the bill in the coming days and weeks since this issue remains a very sensitive one. The conclusion will therefore have of importance in determining the future for the Fulani herders in various parts of Nigeria.
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