Anti-Open Grazing Bill Passed Into Law In Akwa Ibom

Akwa Ibom has joined Enugu State and others in passing into law the bill on the prohibition of open grazing.

The bill which was passed by the State House of Assembly, however, allowed the establishment of ranches and livestock administration.

Naija News reports that the bill was passed into law on Tuesday after it was read the third time on the floor of the House during the plenary, presided over by the Speaker, Aniekan Bassey.

Chairman, House Committee on Agriculture, and member representing Ikono State Constituency, Asuquo Udo, presented the report of Joint House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources, Lands and Housing to the House.

The assembly had adopted the recommendations of the Joint House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources, Lands and Housing, considered in the Committee of the whole.

This is coming barely a week after Lagos State House of Assembly agreed that prohibition of open cattle grazing was the best way to ensure security of lives and property.

According to Lagos Assembly Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, the bill was intended to create an atmosphere that would encourage peaceful co-existence among residents. Obasa, who was represented by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Wasiu Eshilokun-Sanni said in his keynote address that it was important to address the issue of cattle rearing, especially as it affects security and other human desires.

Joining its counterpart from the Southwest region and others in the Southeast, lawmakers in Akwa Ibom jointly agreed to also ban open grazing in the state.

The leader of the House, and member representing Oruk Anam state constituency, Udo Akpan, moved a motion for the anti-open grazing bill to be read and passed, seconded by the member representing Nsit Ubium state constituency, Mr. Otobong Bob.

The Speaker, Mr. Aniekan Bassey, thereafter, directed the Clerk of the House, Mrs. Mandu Umoren, to transmit same to the governor for assent.