The Delta State House of Assembly on Tuesday began consideration of a bill to prohibit open grazing in the state in line with the September 21, 2021, deadline set by the Southern Governors Forum (SGF) for the promulgation of the anti-open grazing law in all member states.
The bill which was introduced for the first reading at Tuesday’s plenary of the House scaled second reading on Wednesday.
The bill titled “Livestock Breeding, Rearing and Marketing Regulation Bill” has Hon Reuben Izeze, who represents Ughelli South in the House and Chairman, House Committee on Lands, Survey and Urban Development, as the lead sponsor.
During the second reading at Wednesday’s plenary of the House, Hon Izeze and others while duelling on the merits of the proposed law said it is to protect the territorial integrity of Delta State and to give legal backing to resolutions on open grazing by several stakeholders, including the forum of governors of southern Nigeria.
Hon Izeze who led the debate said that the bill which has 23 clauses, be given accelerated attention as it seeks to address the arbitrary rearing and movements of livestock in the State, as well as reduce banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery and other criminal activities in the state.
The lawmaker maintained that it is the responsibility of the government to protect lives and property in the state, emphasizing that besides addressing the growing security challenge in the State, the bill also provided protections for dealers of livestock against hustlers.
He described the bill as apt and timely, saying that it is common knowledge that every community in Delta State has stories to tell about the mischief emanating from the unregulated activities and movements of herdsmen in the State.
Hon Izeze stated that as Lawmakers, the lives of the people are Paramount and must do everything within powers to protect them.
The member representing Ika North East, Anthony Elekeokwuri, Aniocha North, Emeka Nwaobi, Uvwie, Solomon Ighrakpata, Bomadi, Oboro Preyor, Warri SouthWest, Emomotimi Guwor, Oshimili North, Pat Ajudua and Ethiope East, Innocent Anidi, said the proposed law will among other things address the menace of Fulani herdsmen in the state.
Expressing concern that Deltans whose major occupation is farming no longer have access to their farmlands as a result of the activities of herdsmen that are terrorizing every part of the state, the Lawmakers commended the southern governors and the conference of speakers resolutions on the issue of open grazing in southern Nigeria.
They said carrying of firearms, either license or otherwise is being prohibited in the proposed law, as well as prohibits movement of cows by foot in any part of Delta State.
The lawmakers stressed that contrary to insinuations in some quarters, the intention is not to evicting non-residents from the State, but rather, aimed at promoting peaceful co-existence among residents as their activities would be properly regulated.
The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori referred the bill to the House Committee on Special Bill and that of Agriculture and Natural Resources for further consideration.
Both Committees are to report back to the House on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, for further legislative action.
