The Federal Government on Thursday explained why non-citizens of Nigeria were still allowed to graze their cattle across the country despite the fact that it had been established that many herdsmen who were involved in clashes in Nigerian villages were not Nigerians.
According to the government, the ECOWAS Transhumance Protocol has given the right of free movement to citizens of member countries, adding that the law as similar to the fundamental right to freedom of movement in the Nigerian constitution.
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, disclosed this at the Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum on Grazing Reserves and Stock Routes in Abuja.
He said, “The Nigerian constitution has given every citizen the fundamental right to freedom of movement in search of legitimate businesses; transhumance pastoralism is seen along these lines.
“For pastoralists from neighbouring West African countries, access to grazing rights in other countries in the ECOWAS zone including Nigeria, are guaranteed by the ECOWAS Transhumance Protocol of 1998 and ECOWAS Protocol of Free Movement of Goods and Persons in West Africa.”
Ogbeh stated that the ECOWAS Transhumance Protocol allows for herders to move across borders in search of pasture upon fulfilling the conditions laid down in the Protocol.
“So it is not strange to see a Malian, Burkinabe or Nigerien pastoralist grazing his cows, sheep or goats in Nigeria or a Nigerian pastoralist grazing his livestock in Benin, Togo or Ghana and by extension, transhumance pastoralists from other neighbouring countries,” he added.
The minister noted that pastoralists who provide bulk of livestock and dairy products consumed locally, employ mobility as a production strategy.
He, however, regretted that the movement of animals within and across agro-ecological zones had precipitated resource use competition that had resulted in high incidence of conflicts between crop farmers and pastoralists across the country.
On ways to mitigate the conflict between the groups and promote commercial livestock production, the minister stated that grazing reserves and stock routes’ development and utilisation had been stepped up in recent years.
“The grazing reserves are to settle transhumance pastoralists and reduce/eliminate crop farmer-pastoralist conflicts,” he said.
http://punchng.com/cant-stop-non-nigerian-herdsmen-fg/
– A Lagos lawyer and
human rights activist, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa is contending in a suit
before the Federal High Court in Lagos that members of the IPOB are
entitled to assemble together in any part of the country for the purpose
of demanding for self-determination
– He is praying for the court to affirm the rights of citizens to
express themselves on any areas of grievance without let or hindrance
from the security agencies
A Lagos lawyer and human rights activist, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, has filed
a suit before the Federal High Court in Lagos to restrain the federal
government from authorising soldiers and policemen to clampdown on
Biafra protests.
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Several pro Biafra groups have held protests calling for the sovereign
state of Biafra
Several pro Biafra groups have held protests calling for the sovereign
state of Biafra.
According to the Nation, Adegboruwa is contending that members of the
Independent Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) are entitled to assemble together
in any part of the country, for the purpose of demanding for
self-determination, without any permit or licence in line with sections
39 and 40 of the 1999 constitution which provides for the right of free
assembly and association, and the freedom of expression.
READ ALSO: MASSOB issues warning to Governor Obiano
He is also praying for the court to affirm the rights of citizens to
express themselves on any areas of grievance without let or hindrance
from the security agencies, Daily post reports.
He said the violation of such rights, which are also guaranteed by
Articles 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10 (1), 11, 20 and 28 of the African
Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, is illegal, unconstitutional, null
and void.
The respondents in the suit are the President, Maj-Gen Muhammadu Buhari,
the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Hon Attorney-General of the
Federation, the Inspector-General of Police, the Chief of Army Staff,
the Chief of Naval Staff and the Chief of Air Staff.
In the new suit, No. FHC/L/CS/775/2016, Adegboruwa is seeking the
following reliefs:
“A. A DECLARATION that the applicant and all other citizens of Nigeria
are entitled to gather, assemble freely and express their opinions
lawfully in the exercise of their fundamental rights guaranteed under
sections 39 and 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria, 1999 and Articles 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10 (1), 11, 20 and 28 of
the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and
Enforcement) Act, Cap. 10, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990 and is
illegal, unconstitutional, null and void.
B. A DECLARATION that the arrest, detention and killings of innocent and
unarmed citizens of Anambra State, Enugu State, Imo State, Abia State
and Ebonyi State (all of the Igbo tribe) while gathering in Nkpor,
Ifite-Dunu and Nnewi in Anambra State of Nigeria on the 30th day of May,
2016 to commemorate the International Biafra Heroes’ Remembrance Day by
the respondents, their servants and privies constitutes a flagrant
violation of the citizen’s fundamental rights guaranteed under sections
39 and 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999
and Articles2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10(1), 11, 20 and 28 of the African
Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act,
Cap. 10, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990 and is illegal,
unconstitutional, null and void.
READ ALSO: BREAKING: New militant group makes outrageous demand
C. A DECLARATION that the arrest, detention and killings of innocent and
unarmed citizens of Anambra State, Enugu State, Imo State, Abia State
and Ebonyi State by the respondents, in respect of Biafra peaceful and
lawful gathering, constitutes a flagrant violation of the citizens’
fundamental rights guaranteed under sections 39 and 40 of the
Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 and Articles 2, 3,
4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10(1), 11, 20 and 28 of the African Charter on Human and
Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, Cap. 10, Laws of
the Federation of Nigeria 1990 and is illegal, unconstitutional, null
and void.
D. A DECLARATION that the citizens of Anambra State, Enugu State, Imo
State, Abia State and Ebonyi State are entitled to their freedom of
expression and right to peaceful assembly and association without let or
hindrance from the respondents, their agents, servants, officers or
otherwise howsoever in, exercise of their fundamental rights guaranteed
under sections 39 and 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria, 1999 and Articles 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10(1), 11, 20 and 28 of
the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and
Enforcement) Act, Cap. 10, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990.
E. A DECLARATION that the statutory duties of the respondents does not
cover or extend to interrupt peaceful and lawful assembly willingly
organized by the citizens of Anambra State, Enugu State, Imo State, Abia
State and Ebonyi State to honour their fallen heroes and therefore is
not entitled to arrest or detain or kill any innocent and unarmed
citizen on account of International Biafra Heroes’ Remembrance Day.
F. A DECLARATION that the investigative activities of the respondents
into the peaceful and lawful assembly in honour of Biafra Heroes’
Remembrance Day organized by citizens of Anambra State, Enugu State, Imo
State, Abia State and Ebonyi State is ultra vires the respondents, and
is therefore unconstitutional, null and void.
G. A DECLARATION that since the Federal Government of Nigeria is
entitled to hold and organize “Armed Forces Remembrance Day” in
remembrance of dead soldiers during the civil war, the citizens of
Anambra State, Enugu State, Imo State, Abia State and Ebonyi State are
also entitled to hold and organize “Biafra Heroes’ Remembrance Day”
without any threat to their liberty and freedom in exercise of their
fundamental rights guaranteed under sections 39 and 40 of the
Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 and Articles 2, 3, 4,
5, 6, 7, 9, 10(1), 11, 20 and 28 of the African Charter on Human and
Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, Cap . 10, Laws of
the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
H. A DECLARATION that the citizens of Anambra State, Enugu State, Imo
State, Abia State and Ebonyi State are entitled to decline to
participate in any meeting, conference, dialogue or forum organized,
convened or summoned by the respondents in respect to the International
Biafra Heroes’ Remembrance Day massacre involving the citizens of
Anambra State, Enugu State, Imo State, Abia State and Ebonyi State
without any threat to their liberty and freedom in exercise of the
citizen’s fundamental rights guaranteed under sections 39 and 40 of the
Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 and Articles 2, 3, 4,
5, 6, 7, 9, 10(1), 11, 20 and 28 of the African Charter on Human and
Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, Cap. 10, Laws of the
Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
I. AN INJUNCTION restraining the Respondents, whether by themselves,
their servants, agents, officers or otherwise howsoever from further
violating the fundamental rights of the citizens of Anambra State, Enugu
State, Imo State, Abia State and Ebonyi State through unlawful arrest,
detention and killing except and in a manner permitted and sanctioned by
law.
J. AN INJUNCTION restraining the respondents whether by themselves,
their servants, agents, officers or otherwise howsoever from compelling
the citizens of Anambra State, Enugu State, Imo State, Abia State and
Ebonyi State, either by threat of arrest, detention, persecution,
prosecution or killing to attend any meeting convened by the respondents
for the purposes of inquiry and investigation about the International
Biafra Heroes’ Remembrance Day massacre.
L. AN INJUNCTION restraining the respondents whether by themselves,
their servants, agents, officers or otherwise howsoever from further
arrest, detention, persecution, prosecution, killing or in any other
manner taking steps that may jeopardize the liberty, freedom and life of
the citizens of Anambra State, Enugu State, Imo State, Abia State and
Ebonyi State except and in a manner permitted and sanctioned by law.
M. AN ORDER that the respondents whether by themselves, their servants,
agents, officers or otherwise howsoever are not entitled to quell,
suppress, subdue and crush a peaceful gathering of the citizens of
Anambra State, Enugu State, Imo State, Abia State and Ebonyi State in
commemoration of Biafra Heroes’ Remembrance Day.
N. AN ORDER directing the respondents to release forthwith all innocent
citizens of Anambra State, Enugu State, Imo State, Abia State and Ebonyi
State held in their custody in respect of International Biafra Heroes’
Remembrance Day.
O. AN ORDER nullifying and voiding actions of the respondents over the
massacre of innocent and unarmed citizens of Anambra State, Enugu State,
Imo State, Abia State and Ebonyi State in Nkpor, Ifite-Dunu and Nnewi
all in Anambra State of Nigeria on the 30th day of May, 2016 while
commemorating the International Biafra Heroes’ Remembrance Day to the
extent that it violates the liberty and freedom of the citizens of
Anambra State, Enugu State, Imo State, Abia State and Ebonyi State as
guaranteed under sections 39 and 40 of the Constitution of Federal
Republic of Nigeria, 1999 and Articles 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10(1), 11,
20 and 28 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights
(Ratification and Enforcement) Act, Cap. 10, Laws of the Federation of
Nigeria 2004.
P. SUCH FURTHER OR OTHER ORDERS as this Honourable Court may deem fit to
make in the circumstances.”
Meanwhile, IPOB has rejected the offer of Governor Wille Obiano of
Anambra state to pay the hospital bills of Biafra agitators injured
during their 49 years anniversary.
Vanguard reports that the governor made the pledge at Nkpor town hall
when he came to sympathize with the people of Nkpor.
During the celebration of the declaration of Biafra on Monday, June 30,
there was a clash between pro-Biafra agitators and the army which led to
the death of some members of the separatist group while several others
were injured.
IPOB through its media and publicity officer Mr Emma Powerful dismissed
the governor’s offer to offset the hospital bills of the wounded Biafra
and non Biafra agitators and described the gesture as medicine after
death and an attempt to win cheap popularity.
Read more: https://www.naij.com/855533-biafra-killings-lawyer-takes-drastic-action-fg.html
Read more: https://www.naij.com/855533-biafra-killings-lawyer-takes-drastic-action-fg.html
– A Lagos lawyer and
human rights activist, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa is contending in a suit
before the Federal High Court in Lagos that members of the IPOB are
entitled to assemble together in any part of the country for the purpose
of demanding for self-determination
– He is praying for the court to affirm the rights of citizens to
express themselves on any areas of grievance without let or hindrance
from the security agencies
A Lagos lawyer and human rights activist, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, has filed
a suit before the Federal High Court in Lagos to restrain the federal
government from authorising soldiers and policemen to clampdown on
Biafra protests.
Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Several pro Biafra groups have held protests calling for the sovereign
state of Biafra
Several pro Biafra groups have held protests calling for the sovereign
state of Biafra.
According to the Nation, Adegboruwa is contending that members of the
Independent Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) are entitled to assemble together
in any part of the country, for the purpose of demanding for
self-determination, without any permit or licence in line with sections
39 and 40 of the 1999 constitution which provides for the right of free
assembly and association, and the freedom of expression.
READ ALSO: MASSOB issues warning to Governor Obiano
He is also praying for the court to affirm the rights of citizens to
express themselves on any areas of grievance without let or hindrance
from the security agencies, Daily post reports.
He said the violation of such rights, which are also guaranteed by
Articles 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10 (1), 11, 20 and 28 of the African
Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, is illegal, unconstitutional, null
and void.
The respondents in the suit are the President, Maj-Gen Muhammadu Buhari,
the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Hon Attorney-General of the
Federation, the Inspector-General of Police, the Chief of Army Staff,
the Chief of Naval Staff and the Chief of Air Staff.
In the new suit, No. FHC/L/CS/775/2016, Adegboruwa is seeking the
following reliefs:
“A. A DECLARATION that the applicant and all other citizens of Nigeria
are entitled to gather, assemble freely and express their opinions
lawfully in the exercise of their fundamental rights guaranteed under
sections 39 and 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria, 1999 and Articles 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10 (1), 11, 20 and 28 of
the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and
Enforcement) Act, Cap. 10, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990 and is
illegal, unconstitutional, null and void.
B. A DECLARATION that the arrest, detention and killings of innocent and
unarmed citizens of Anambra State, Enugu State, Imo State, Abia State
and Ebonyi State (all of the Igbo tribe) while gathering in Nkpor,
Ifite-Dunu and Nnewi in Anambra State of Nigeria on the 30th day of May,
2016 to commemorate the International Biafra Heroes’ Remembrance Day by
the respondents, their servants and privies constitutes a flagrant
violation of the citizen’s fundamental rights guaranteed under sections
39 and 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999
and Articles2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10(1), 11, 20 and 28 of the African
Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act,
Cap. 10, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990 and is illegal,
unconstitutional, null and void.
READ ALSO: BREAKING: New militant group makes outrageous demand
C. A DECLARATION that the arrest, detention and killings of innocent and
unarmed citizens of Anambra State, Enugu State, Imo State, Abia State
and Ebonyi State by the respondents, in respect of Biafra peaceful and
lawful gathering, constitutes a flagrant violation of the citizens’
fundamental rights guaranteed under sections 39 and 40 of the
Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 and Articles 2, 3,
4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10(1), 11, 20 and 28 of the African Charter on Human and
Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, Cap. 10, Laws of
the Federation of Nigeria 1990 and is illegal, unconstitutional, null
and void.
D. A DECLARATION that the citizens of Anambra State, Enugu State, Imo
State, Abia State and Ebonyi State are entitled to their freedom of
expression and right to peaceful assembly and association without let or
hindrance from the respondents, their agents, servants, officers or
otherwise howsoever in, exercise of their fundamental rights guaranteed
under sections 39 and 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria, 1999 and Articles 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10(1), 11, 20 and 28 of
the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and
Enforcement) Act, Cap. 10, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990.
E. A DECLARATION that the statutory duties of the respondents does not
cover or extend to interrupt peaceful and lawful assembly willingly
organized by the citizens of Anambra State, Enugu State, Imo State, Abia
State and Ebonyi State to honour their fallen heroes and therefore is
not entitled to arrest or detain or kill any innocent and unarmed
citizen on account of International Biafra Heroes’ Remembrance Day.
F. A DECLARATION that the investigative activities of the respondents
into the peaceful and lawful assembly in honour of Biafra Heroes’
Remembrance Day organized by citizens of Anambra State, Enugu State, Imo
State, Abia State and Ebonyi State is ultra vires the respondents, and
is therefore unconstitutional, null and void.
G. A DECLARATION that since the Federal Government of Nigeria is
entitled to hold and organize “Armed Forces Remembrance Day” in
remembrance of dead soldiers during the civil war, the citizens of
Anambra State, Enugu State, Imo State, Abia State and Ebonyi State are
also entitled to hold and organize “Biafra Heroes’ Remembrance Day”
without any threat to their liberty and freedom in exercise of their
fundamental rights guaranteed under sections 39 and 40 of the
Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 and Articles 2, 3, 4,
5, 6, 7, 9, 10(1), 11, 20 and 28 of the African Charter on Human and
Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, Cap . 10, Laws of
the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
H. A DECLARATION that the citizens of Anambra State, Enugu State, Imo
State, Abia State and Ebonyi State are entitled to decline to
participate in any meeting, conference, dialogue or forum organized,
convened or summoned by the respondents in respect to the International
Biafra Heroes’ Remembrance Day massacre involving the citizens of
Anambra State, Enugu State, Imo State, Abia State and Ebonyi State
without any threat to their liberty and freedom in exercise of the
citizen’s fundamental rights guaranteed under sections 39 and 40 of the
Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 and Articles 2, 3, 4,
5, 6, 7, 9, 10(1), 11, 20 and 28 of the African Charter on Human and
Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, Cap. 10, Laws of the
Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
I. AN INJUNCTION restraining the Respondents, whether by themselves,
their servants, agents, officers or otherwise howsoever from further
violating the fundamental rights of the citizens of Anambra State, Enugu
State, Imo State, Abia State and Ebonyi State through unlawful arrest,
detention and killing except and in a manner permitted and sanctioned by
law.
J. AN INJUNCTION restraining the respondents whether by themselves,
their servants, agents, officers or otherwise howsoever from compelling
the citizens of Anambra State, Enugu State, Imo State, Abia State and
Ebonyi State, either by threat of arrest, detention, persecution,
prosecution or killing to attend any meeting convened by the respondents
for the purposes of inquiry and investigation about the International
Biafra Heroes’ Remembrance Day massacre.
L. AN INJUNCTION restraining the respondents whether by themselves,
their servants, agents, officers or otherwise howsoever from further
arrest, detention, persecution, prosecution, killing or in any other
manner taking steps that may jeopardize the liberty, freedom and life of
the citizens of Anambra State, Enugu State, Imo State, Abia State and
Ebonyi State except and in a manner permitted and sanctioned by law.
M. AN ORDER that the respondents whether by themselves, their servants,
agents, officers or otherwise howsoever are not entitled to quell,
suppress, subdue and crush a peaceful gathering of the citizens of
Anambra State, Enugu State, Imo State, Abia State and Ebonyi State in
commemoration of Biafra Heroes’ Remembrance Day.
N. AN ORDER directing the respondents to release forthwith all innocent
citizens of Anambra State, Enugu State, Imo State, Abia State and Ebonyi
State held in their custody in respect of International Biafra Heroes’
Remembrance Day.
O. AN ORDER nullifying and voiding actions of the respondents over the
massacre of innocent and unarmed citizens of Anambra State, Enugu State,
Imo State, Abia State and Ebonyi State in Nkpor, Ifite-Dunu and Nnewi
all in Anambra State of Nigeria on the 30th day of May, 2016 while
commemorating the International Biafra Heroes’ Remembrance Day to the
extent that it violates the liberty and freedom of the citizens of
Anambra State, Enugu State, Imo State, Abia State and Ebonyi State as
guaranteed under sections 39 and 40 of the Constitution of Federal
Republic of Nigeria, 1999 and Articles 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10(1), 11,
20 and 28 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights
(Ratification and Enforcement) Act, Cap. 10, Laws of the Federation of
Nigeria 2004.
P. SUCH FURTHER OR OTHER ORDERS as this Honourable Court may deem fit to
make in the circumstances.”
Meanwhile, IPOB has rejected the offer of Governor Wille Obiano of
Anambra state to pay the hospital bills of Biafra agitators injured
during their 49 years anniversary.
Vanguard reports that the governor made the pledge at Nkpor town hall
when he came to sympathize with the people of Nkpor.
During the celebration of the declaration of Biafra on Monday, June 30,
there was a clash between pro-Biafra agitators and the army which led to
the death of some members of the separatist group while several others
were injured.
IPOB through its media and publicity officer Mr Emma Powerful dismissed
the governor’s offer to offset the hospital bills of the wounded Biafra
and non Biafra agitators and described the gesture as medicine after
death and an attempt to win cheap popularity.
Read more: https://www.naij.com/855533-biafra-killings-lawyer-takes-drastic-action-fg.html
Read more: https://www.naij.com/855533-biafra-killings-lawyer-takes-drastic-action-fg.html
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