Delta joins growing list of state assemblies to pass anti-open grazing bill

The Delta house of assembly has passed the bill for a law prohibiting open grazing, indiscriminate breeding, rearing, and marketing of livestock.

The passage of the bill on Tuesday followed a motion for the third reading moved by Ferguson Onwo, the majority leader of the house.

Sheriff Oborevwori, the speaker of the assembly, expressed joy over the development, saying the residents of the state would be very happy.

“Dear colleagues, I congratulate all of us on the passage of this very important bill,” he said.

“Today, the house has fulfilled the commitment of our dear state to the agreement reached at the southern governors’ meeting held here in our state capital, Asaba.

“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 recognising that the security of lives and property of the people of the state as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) are sacrosanct.

“Also, farmers can now go about their businesses without fear of anyone grazing on their crops.

“This for sure will boost food production in the state; dear colleagues, this Bill is a right step in the right direction as our women can now go to their farmlands without fear of molestation.

“Once again, I thank you all for your untiring support as always and for your resolute commitment in the passage of people-oriented bills, such as this.”

The anti-open grazing bill has been signed into law in Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Enugu, Bayelsa, Lagos, Rivers, Ondo, and Akwa Ibom — after their state assemblies passed it.