Anambra state government has signed into law, the anti-open grazing bill.
The state Governor, Willie Obiano while signing the bill into law, at the Governor’s Lodge Amawbia, said the move became imperative in order to protect all critical stakeholders and their businesses in the state.
Bill signed into law is entitled “A Law to Prohibit and Abolish Open and Nomadic Cattle and other Livestock Grazing and rearing in the state.”
It was presented to the governor by the Attorney General of the State, Mrs Uju Nwogu, in the presence of the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Mr Uchenna Okafor.
Gov Obiano said, “the bill intended to prohibit open grazing, regulate cattle ranching. It will help to address cases of conflicts between farmers and herders in the state, which has led to the destruction of life and property across Nigeria.
“My assent to the bill is expected to improve security and peace, owning to cattle rearing in the state.
“I charge relevant authorities of government and security agencies to ensure the law is enforced in the state and culprits must be brought to book. Mind you, the law is a respecter of no one. Gov said.” Gov Obiano said.
Earlier, the Antony General of the State and Commissioner for Justice Barr. Uju Nwogu disclosed that the essence of the bill was to help establish ranches as well as prevent clashes and bring everlasting peace.
Nwogu observed that before the advent of the bill, the state government had been managing the issues of farmers and herders.
On his part, the Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, Uchenna Okafor recalled that the House had passed the bill in September, following a public hearing, for the purpose of security of life and property.
The Speaker, while commending Gov Obiano for signing it into law, urged security agencies to ensure adequate implementation.
“The bill signed into law is for unity, security and peaceful coexistence among residents of the state, and not targeted at any group or individual,” the speaker said.
In a vote of thanks, the Sariki Hausa of Onitsha, Alhaji Iliyasu Yushau described the bill as a dream come through for all involved maintained that they would adhere to the rule of law of Anti Open Grazing Bill.
“Gov Obiano has always been sincere without discrimination on any basis, expressing optimism that the law will rest all issues arising from the crisis,” Sariki noted.
Top government functionaries, including security Commanders, leaders of Hausa and Fulani Communities, traditional rulers among others were present during the signing of the bill into law.