By Yemi Adebowale

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State undoubtedly needs some education about what forest reserves are all about. It is either this man does not understand the concept of forest reserve, or pretends not to understand for selfish reasons. That is why he has been agitating for unhindered grazing in forest reserves for herders. Perhaps, with compelling education, he may change his stance. My dear Kauran Bauchi, such reserves are protected areas for flora, fauna or geological interest designated by governments for conservation of nature and resources. Humans are not allowed in such reserves to avert the exploitation of its natural resources through grazing, cutting of trees for firewood or killing of animals.

In Nigeria, state governments maintain a large number of forest reserves. I am sure Bauchi State also has some. The federal government has four national parks. In all, there are 1,129 forest reserves, 29 game reserves, four game sanctuaries and four national parks in Nigeria. Forest reserves are clearly not for grazing or settlements. They must remain free from destructive human interferences, cattle grazing inclusive.

Kauran Bauchi, please, your enthusiasm about ethnic identity should not override rational, empirical and scientific considerations. I also want you to ruminate deeply about the submission of constitutional and human rights lawyer, Femi Falana on this your extreme position on open grazing. Falana notes: “No person, however highly placed he or she may be, is permitted to forcefully acquire land and settle on it by force in any state in Nigeria. Every person, who intends to settle in any state, would be required to acquire land under the Land Use Act. No one is permitted to forcefully acquire land and settle on it in any state in Nigeria.

“The owner of an illegally occupied land is entitled to sue for the recovery of the land and payment of damages for trespass. If the land belongs to the government, the property on it may be demolished without due process. Bala Mohammed should stop misleading herders to acquire land for cattle business without complying with the Land Use Act, Urban and Regional Law, Forestry Law, Anti Grazing Law in the affected states. He should stop inciting herders to bear weapons without license and seizing forest reserves without authorisation.”

Governor Bala, I sincerely hope you will read and digest Falana’s submission. Perhaps, it will help you amend your ways. Nomadic cattle rearing has no place in modern societies. Nigeria cannot be an exception.

Originally published at Thisday