Asaba—The Delta State House of Assembly on Tuesday passed the anti-open grazing bill into law.
According to a report by Nigerian Tribune, the bill prohibits open grazing, indiscriminate breeding, rearing and marketing of livestock in the state.
It was passed following a motion to that effect by the Majority Leader of the House, Hon Ferguson Onwo, and it was thereafter adopted.
Hon Pat Ajudua, Chairman, House Committee on Special Bills, had earlier presented the report on the bill to the house, saying inputs of various stakeholders formed part of the proposed law.
The bill also prohibits the carrying of firearms, either licenced or otherwise, by residents or individuals in the state just as it seeks to address the arbitrary rearing and movements of livestock in the state.
The Speaker, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori, in his reaction expressed satisfaction with the development, saying that Deltans and other residents in the state would be very happy that the bill has finally been 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 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,” he stated.
