A prominent legal scholar, Prof. Sebastine T. Hon, SAN, has publicly challenged the interpretation of the ECOWAS Transhumance Protocol by Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, accusing him of being “decidedly wrong” and failing to protect the people of Benue State.
In a strongly worded statement seen by AkweyaTV, Prof. Hon, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and expert in constitutional law, refuted Governor Alia’s claims regarding the protocol’s provisions, asserting that the governor’s interpretation is flawed and detrimental to the security of Benue residents.
Prof. Hon, who said he initially refused to watch the Governor’s media chat due to his skepticism about the governor’s stance on security, stated, “My suspicion and hunch came to be true when I later watched it! What a sad day for the people of Benue State!”
Central to Prof. Hon’s argument is the assertion that the ECOWAS Protocol, adopted in 1998, not 1978 as the Governor stated, sets clear preconditions for the movement of livestock. He highlighted Articles 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 of the protocol, which require specific documentation, health certifications, designated routes for movement of animals, and adherence to host country laws.
“I openly challenge you or any of those herders you are so eager to protect to show to the Benue people EVEN A SINGLE CERTIFICATE issued to any of those herders to embark on transhumance,” Prof. Hon stated. He further questioned the absence of designated routes for the herders and the lack of enforcement of quarantine measures for non-compliant herds.
Prof. Hon also argued that even if the protocol were fully implemented, it would be subordinate to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which Nigeria has domesticated. He cited Articles of the Charter that guarantee rights to equality, life, security, property, and economic development, arguing that the actions of the herders violate these fundamental rights.
“The Benue people elected you. You are under duty to protect them. Indeed, you took an oath on the day of your inauguration to do so. Why are you shirking from this solemn duty?” Prof. Hon asked, urging the Governor to “retrace your steps now!”
The legal expert’s intervention comes amid escalating tensions between farmers and herders in Benue State, with frequent reports of violence and destruction of farmlands. Prof. Hon’s statement underscores a growing concern among Benue residents regarding the government’s handling of the security situation.
Governor Alia’s office has yet to respond to Prof. Hon’s allegations.
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