The Delta State House of Assembly on Tuesday joined the growing list of southern states opposed to the menace of open grazing, with the passage of the state’s anti-open grazing bill.
The Bill is known as the ‘Bill Prohibiting Open Grazing, Indiscriminate Breeding, Rearing and Marketing of Livestock’ across the state.
The passage of the bill was unanimous and came after a motion to the effect by the Majority Leader, Ferguson Onwo.
When signed into law the bill will check the arbitrary rearing and movement of livestock in the state, and also stop the carrying of firearms, whether licensed or not, by resident individuals in the state.
The Chairman of House Committee on Special Bills, Mrs Pat Ajudua, presented the report on the bill on the floor of the House, which was received and adopted.
Ajudua, while presenting the bill, said that inputs of stakeholders formed part of the proposed law.
She noted that the bill when signed into law would prohibit the carrying of firearms, either licensed or otherwise, by residents or individuals in the state, just as it seeks to address the arbitrary rearing and movement of livestock.
The Speaker of the Assembly, Sheriff Oborevwori, remarked that Deltans and other residents of the state would be very happy that the bill was passed.
“Dear colleagues, I congratulate all of us on the passage of this very important Bill. Today, the House has fulfilled the commitment of our dear state to the agreement reached at the Southern Governors’ meeting held here in our state capital,” he said.
“By virtue of this Bill, this House has demonstrated its resolve to protect the people of the State from the menace of clashes between herders and farmers.
“I must, therefore, commend all the sponsors of this bill, for recognizing that the security of lives and properties of Deltans as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as altered) are sacrosanct.
“With the passage of this Bill, well-meaning persons who seek to carry on the business of breeding, rearing and marketing of livestock shall do so within the boundaries of the Law.
“Also, farmers can now go about their businesses without fear of anyone grazing on their crops. This for sure will boost food production in the State. Dear colleagues, this Bill is the right step in the right direction as our women can now go to their farmlands without fear of molestation.
“Once again, I thank you all for your untiring support as always and for your resolute commitment in the passage of people-oriented Bills such as this”.