Akeredolu Signs Anti-Open Grazing Bill Into Law

                   •Gov Akeredolu

By Ayobami Ife, Abeokuta

Less than 24 hours to the implementation of ban on Open Grazing and movement of cattle in Southern Nigeria, Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, has signed into Law the Anti-Grazing Bill earlier passed by the State House of Assembly.

The Southern Governors had in a meeting in Asaba, Delta State, and later in Lagos few months ago, banned open Grazing and movement of cattle on roads, farms and forests in South of Nigeria by herdsmen following the alleged spate of banditry, kidnappings, pillaging of farmlands and crops as well as rape and killings associated with some of them.

During the said meetings, the governors also set September 1 as commencement date for the implementation of the ban while enabling law should also be readied not later than September 30.

The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Donald Ojogo said the Governor Akeredolu signed the bill into Law in his office on Tuesday.

 

"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," Ojogo said.