JUST IN: Southern Governors Restate Ban On Open Grazing, Reveal Deadline

The Southern Governors Forum has set September 1 as the deadline for states in the region to enact anti-open grazing law.

This was one of the resolutions contained in the communique read by the Chairman of the forum, Rotimi Akeredolu after a meeting in Lagos.

Recall that the Southern governors banned open grazing of cattle in the region during their meeting in Asaba on May 11.

Although the move generated controversy at the time, the governors doubled down on their decision at the Lagos meeting today.

“The Forum reviewed the security situation in the country and commends security operatives for their relentless efforts in restoring security and safety and commiserates with families and loved ones of those who have fallen in the line of duty;

“Re-emphasized the need for State Police;

“Resolved that if for any reason security institutions need to undertake an operation in any State, the Chief Security Officer of the State must be duly informed;

“The forum frowns at selective criminal administration of Justice and resolved that arrests should be made within the ambit of the Law and fundamental human rights;

“Set a timeline of Wednesday, 1st September 2021 for the promulgation of the anti-open grazing law in all Member States; and

“Resolved that Funds deducted from the Federation Account for the Nigeria Police Security Trust Fund should be distributed among the States and Federal Government to combat security challenges,” the communique read in part.