The chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA- SPIDEL), Monday Ubani, has issued a threat to take the federal government to court if the government went ahead to ban cow hide, also known as Ponmo, in the country.
The Informant247 recalls that the Federal Government has suggested a legislation to place a ban on the consumption of ponmo in Nigeria to revive tanneries.
Director-General, Nigerian Institute of Leather and Science Technology (NILEST), Zaria, Muhammad Yakubu, made this revelation in Abuja, the nation’s capital on Sunday.
The DG revealed that the legislation was a necessity to bring back to live the comatose leather industry in Nigeria.
However, the DG through a statement released to newsmen on Thursday, reaffirmed that Ponmo is one of commonest delicacy that the citizens mostly depend on and enjoy due to its affordability.
He said, “Fish, meat and other proteins have become very expensive and thus unaffordable by the common man in Nigeria.”
The DG has wondered why the leaders of Nigerian gain so much interest in agonizing the common people in every aspect of life.
Ubani has investigated why and how the federal government always move against the things an average Nigerian derives joy in.
The human rights legal practitioner said, “the truth is that ponmo remains the most constant meat-like substance in stews and soups in many kitchens, and it beats our imagination that every government in Nigeria has always planned to take away that substance from their dining tables.
“While politicians and rich Nigerians chew all manner of proteins in every of their sumptuous meals with their loved ones, they have become restless and jealous of the only thing that the common man chews while eating their meals for affliction.
“Is such government pronouncement and policy of baning ponmo fair and just.
“The health danger of ponmo is yet to be proved conclusively within the scientific Community. Besides, no Nigerian has died, and it is announced that ponmo was responsible. What are they talking about?”
Ubani has sent message of advice to the government to stay away from the threat and do away with such a wicked and anti masses policy.
“However, if they fail and refuse to abide by this free advice, they should be prepared for a prolonged legal suit that may end up in the supreme court of Nigeria on the illegal ban.
“I shall be prepared to undertake this public interest case on behalf of millions of Nigerians who consider this delicacy too palatable to be taken off their meal table, moreso, when it remains the only affordable substance that has a semblance of meat and fish while enjoying it,” he said.