On Wednesday, Benue State Senator Titus Tartenger Zam’s bill to create the National Animal Husbandry and Ranches Commission was vehemently rejected by Jibrin Barau, the Deputy President of the Senate.
Barau stated that the purpose of the measure, if approved and signed into law, is to return Fulani herders, wherever they may be, back their numerous states of origin. This will be extremely challenging because the herders might not be aware of their origins.
The concerned lawmaker insisted that no one should be prevented from living where they choose to live and said that the bill violated the Nigerian Constitution, 1999 as amended, especially in relation to choice of residence.
While those Senators who contributed to the measure applauded the progress, Barau was the only one who voiced his disagreement, igniting a contentious debate.
His argument was that since he profited from residing somewhere other than his birthplace, Fulani herders should have the freedom to reside anywhere in the nation.
He stated: “This bill has a problem since it does not prohibit any Nigerian from residing in any place of their choosing.
“I have read the pertinent portion of the constitution. A few days ago, I witnessed Senator Natasha visiting a Fulani hamlet within her senatorial district. Other than that location, the people have no other home. They are so enduringly present. They have always been an integral component of that community.
“Where is their state of origin, and is it time for them to relocate there?
Now, I would like you to take a look at it for us as political leaders. Who is the FCT senator at the moment? Despite being from Yoruba, she has won this election. She was never told to go back to her state.
“Even though I’m from Kano North, I won my first election to the House of Representatives in the Tarauni Federal Constituency in 1999 from Kano Central. Why do we now advise herders to return to their home states yet no one advised me to go back to Kano North?
“My friend Zam is aware that this goes against our constitution; your bill is sound. Though this part should be eliminated, I still support the measure. It ought to be taken out. I suggest that Senator Zam, my friend, put this bill on hold for further consultation and improved wording in order to ensure that it complies with our constitution.
“Mr. President, let me tell you something about these Fulanis. Some of them even don’t know where they are from; they think they are from Nigeria.
“We should solve the matter so that people can conduct business wherever they are, as it is their place. Thus, Mr. President, I suggest that this bill be withdrawn in order to allow for more consultation.
Barau made a valiant attempt to block the bill, but it was approved by the majority of MPs when Senate President Godswill Akpabio called for a voice vote on it.
After passing second reading, the bill was referred to the relevant Committee for a public hearing.
