Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has signed into Law the Anti-Grazing Bill passed by the State House of Assembly.
The Precision NG reports that Governors of the Southern part of Nigeria on July 5, 2021, agreed to commence the ban on open grazing of cattle by September 1, 2021.
Akeredolu’s signing of the bill comes less than 24 hours to the take off of the unanimous order banning open grazing of Cattle in Southern Nigeria by Governors in the region.
The Ondo State Governor is the Chairman of the Southern Governor’s forum.
Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), which is the official body regulating the activities of Cattle rearers in the country had repeatedly queried the rationale behind the ban.
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On its part, the Northern Elders Forum believed that the ban on open grazing would affect Nigeria’s unity.
But a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Donald Ojogo said Governor Akeredolu signed the bill into Law in his office on Tuesday, August 31, 2021.
“The move is in line with the resolution of the Southern Governors’ Forum at its last meeting in Lagos where September 1st was set as the deadline for Governors in Southern Nigeria to sign the Anti-Open Grazing Bill into law.
“This is worthwhile and a very laudable development aimed at stemming needless instances of skirmishes, conflicts as well as infractions on the enviably peaceful disposition of the good people of Ondo State.
“It is very pertinent to aver and indeed, reiterate that the Law shall rather, engender a more cordial, mutually benefiting relationship amongst residents of the State irrespective of ethnicity, religion or creed. For emphasis, no particular group of persons is the target.
“While it is the hope of Government that all residents would take an ample advantage of this Law to enhance our socio-economic well being in Ondo State, compliance of same shall be given the utmost attention. Government shall pursue with vigour, through lawful means, to ensure strict compliance.
“In this regard, details of the new Law shall be made available to the public for proper information, more depth of understanding on contents as well as other relevant areas”, the statement said.
Nigeria has a history of clashes between farmers and herdsmen which had claimed thousands of lives. This new policy by the Southern Governors is seen as one of the moves to checkmate this age long problem.
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