By Ogochukwu Isioma
The Edo State House of Assembly, on Wednesday, passed the state’s anti-open grazing bill into law.
The bill, which prohibits open grazing of cattle and other livestock in Edo, was passed after deliberation by the lawmakers.
Obaseki had in February forwarded the bill to the House. The law which has been passed in some southern states of Nigeria bans the movement of cattle by herders in public places as a measure of curtailing the incessant clashes between herders and farmers. But the decision has been criticised by most northern governors including the Nigerian government.
Earlier, Majority Leader of the House, Henry Okhuarobo, who led the debate for the passage of the bill, said it seeks to provide solution to the incessant farmers-herders clashes in the state.
Okhuarobo said the bill also seeks to introduce modern methods of ranching.
According to him, the bill will create a conducive environment for farmers to engage in agricultural activities and also regulate livestock business in the state.
Francis Okiye (PDP-Esan North East 1) said the bill would encourage modern ranching with a value chain that would create wealth for the state.
Okiye also said the bill would eliminate the dangers associated with open grazing.
Details later…
