08/06/2024
Cows Are Not Citizens Of Nigeria – Sen. Akpabio Slams Senator Aliero
written by Ohepo Ohepo
Abuja, Nigeria – During a heated Senate session on Wednesday, Senate President Godswill Akpabio made a striking statement, declaring, “Cows are not citizens of Nigeria,” while addressing a senator’s controversial remarks regarding the ongoing farmer-herder clashes in the country.
The remark came amid discussions surrounding the proposed National Animal Husbandry and Ranches Commission bill, which aims to control and regulate cattle rearing and ranching businesses across Nigeria. Sponsored by Senator Titus Tartenger Zam representing Benue North West, the bill has sparked significant debate among lawmakers, particularly concerning provisions about establishing ranches in pastoralists’ states of origin.
Senator Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central) voiced strong opposition to this aspect of the bill, arguing that it contradicts Section 41 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees every citizen’s right to move freely and reside in any part of the country. He contended that ranching should be viewed as a private business without government intervention.
Senator Kawu Sumaila (Kano South) echoed Aliero’s sentiments, describing the bill as unconstitutional and threatening to “fight the bill,” a statement he later retracted after Senate President Akpabio intervened.
In his response, Akpabio emphasized the need for rational discourse, highlighting that livestock should not be equated with the rights and freedoms of human citizens. “Cows are not citizens of Nigeria,” he stated firmly, reinforcing the idea that the bill should be carefully considered to balance the needs of pastoralists with the constitutional rights of all Nigerians.
Despite the opposition, several senators supported the bill, arguing that modernizing livestock rearing practices is essential for reducing violent clashes between farmers and herders. Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South) supported the bill but note