A senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Ebun-olu Adegboruwa has reacted to the statement issued by the presidency on the ultimatum given to herders by Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state.
Recall that Ondo governor, Akeredolu had ordered that herdsmen who are not registered in the state should vacate forest reserves in the state over increased criminal activities.
Adegboruwa in an interview with The PUNCH accused the presidency of misinterpreting the constitution.
He stated that section 43 which grants people the right to own properties anywhere in Nigeria, cannot be construed as taking other people’s properties.
The lawyer said;
“I salute the courage of the governor. He displayed rare statesmanship and courage. I think it is a lesson for all governors to take hold of their territory and safeguard the lives and properties of people.
“While it is herdsmen in the south, it is foreigners in the north. All of us are suffering.
“I backed the governor 100 per cent because the constitution, in Section 14 (2), makes the security and welfare of the people the primary essence of governance. Any governor that cannot guarantee the lives and properties of the people does not deserve to be in office.
“I salute the courage of the governor. He displayed rare statesmanship and courage. I think it is a lesson for all governors to take hold of their territory and safeguard the lives and properties of people,” he said.
“While it is herdsmen in the south, it is foreigners in the north. All of us are suffering.
“I backed the governor 100 per cent because the constitution, in Section 14 (2), makes the security and welfare of the people the primary essence of governance. Any governor that cannot guarantee the lives and properties of the people does not deserve to be in office.
“Section 44 of our constitution is against the compulsory takeover of lands. Let the presidency read the constitution properly. What the herders are doing is a forceful takeover of people’s land which is unconstitutional.”