The Delta State House of Assembly has passed the Anti-Open grazing bill, which impedes open grazing, indiscriminate breeding, rearing, and marketing of livestock across the state.
The assembly, which held its plenary on Tuesday passed the bill following a motion to the effect by the Majority Leader, Ferguson Onwo, and adopted while being presided over by the Speaker, Chief Sherrif Oborevwori.
Oborevwori while reacting to the passage of the Anti-grazing bill, expressed happiness over the development, while noting the importance and fulfillment of the bill as reached by the South-South Governors’ during their meeting held in the state.
“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 the South-South Governors’ meeting held here in our State Capital.
“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”.
The Speaker explained that the passing of the bill meant well for residents, who seek to venture into livestock farming, as it also provides safety to food crop farmers, who can plant without fear of their crops being tampered 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 to the passage of people-oriented Bills such as this”.
The Bill, when signed into law, prohibits the carrying of firearms, either licensed or otherwise, by residence or individuals in the State just as it seeks to address the arbitrary rearing and movements of livestock in the state.
