Ebun-olu Adegboruwa, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN) has reacted to the presidency’s statement on the ultimatum given to herders by Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state.
Akeredolu had told herdsmen in the state to vacate forest reserves in the state over increased criminal activities.
In an interview with The PUNCH, Adegboruwa said the presidency misinterpreted 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.”
