Amidst a rancorous session the Nigerian Senate passed the second reading of a bill to establish the National Animal Husbandry and Ranches Commission on Wednesday.
Despite heated debates the Senators voted in favour of the bill, sponsored by Senator Titus Tartenger Zam representing Benue North West which is meant to control and regulate cattle rearing ranching business across the country.
Zam told the Senate that ranching remains the only viable alternative for cattle breeding in Nigeria. He also advocated for the urgent need to transition from traditional livestock keeping methods to the modern methods which are safer and healthier to both the herds and the herders.
The bill however, met vehement rejection from Northern Lawmakers from the opposition Danjuma Goje (Gombe Central), Senator Adamu Aliero ( Kebbi Central) and Senator Kawu Sumaila ( Kano South) who faulted a part of the bill which specified that ranches be established in the "pastoralists state of origin" without forcing it upon other states or communities that do not have pastoralists as citizens.
In his contention Aliero argued that the pastoral part of the bill is in rebellion with section 41 of the Nigerian constitution which states that "Every citizen of Nigeria is entitled to move freely throughout Nigeria and to reside in any part thereof, and no citizen of Nigeria shall be expelled from Nigeria or refused entry thereby or exit therefrom''. Aliero also noted that ranching should be seen as private business, the government should have no hand in it.
In swift support, Senator Kawu described the bill as contradictory to the Nigerian constitution saying that it is wrong to restrict citizens of the country to a particular region.
Kawu specifically said that "they would fight the bill" a statement he withdrew and apologised after he was called to order by the Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
He said; "I am totally against this bill, you can't make a law for a particular section of this country. Let the leadership come with something comprehensive but going by this bill it will compound the crisis".
Disagreeing further Senator Danjuma Goje warned that the bill might stereotype the Fulanis in the country. He added that Fulanis do not enjoy Democratic dividends from the Government.
He argued; "I want to urge our colleagues to approach this issue of ranching with good faith and an open mind. These Fulanis are Nigerians, they don't enjoy anything from the Government, they shouldn't be thrown away just like that.
between sedentary farmers and nomadic herders in Nigeria; my dear colleagues, this is not acceptable in 21st century civilized world!".
Akpabio allayed sentiments raised by the opposing Senators stressing that the bill will still be subjected to public hearing before its final passage and assent in which he said all issues raised will be addressed.
If we need to tinker with the land use act to create a clause to access to ranching also we must consider that many state governors don't have money to go into ranching".
Akapbio asked Senator Titus Zam if he intended to step down the bill in which he replied in negative after which Akpabio put the question to the Senators and they chorused "Aye" in favour of the bill.
The bill was subsequently referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, judicial and legal matters , trade and investment to report back in the next one Month.
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