FAYOSE BANS CATTLE GRAZING

Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose

Ekite State governor, Ayodele Fayose, has banned cattle grazing in the state. According to him, those who are interested in cattle-rearing in the state should get ranches.

I don't always agree with the governor, but I think I agree with him on this one, though I quarrel with the manner he has done it.

Given the nefarious activities of herdsmen across the country over the years, something had to be done. And Fayose has taken the bull by the horn.

A state governor with all the instrument of state power at his disposal should not just sit in his office and expect Aso Rock to come down from Abuja to protect his people.

My quarrel with Fayose on this ban however is that rather than proclaim a ban like a military administrator, he should have sent an executive bill to that effect to Ekiti State House of Assembly. We are in a constitutional democracy, and an elected governor should not be acting like a dictator, enacting laws when a law-making organ of government is available. Fayose of all people should not be displaying such dictatorial tendencies – something he has often accused President Buhari of.

On the whole however, the intention behind the ban is good. As the chief security officer of his state, he should act as such. But he should do so constitutionally. That's all.

And this should be eye-opener to other state governors. You have to stop playing the victim. Take the initiative; do something to protect your people. All those security votes you collect every month should be put to use for the good of the people for once.

 For governors of south-south states, I hope you follow suit and take appropriate steps to enact laws against militancy and blowing of oil pipelines?