Enugu assembly passes anti-open grazing bill

The Enugu house of assembly has passed a bill prohibiting open grazing in the state.

The bill for the prohibition of open grazing and regulation of cattle ranching was passed on Thursday.

Edward Ubosi, speaker of the house, praised the lawmakers for “working tirelessly” to ensure that the bill was passed.

“This bill is for the unity, security and peaceful coexistence among residents of Enugu State. It is not targeted on any group or individual,” Ubosi said.

The state house of assembly had earlier conducted a public hearing on the bill at the assembly complex in Enugu.

During the public hearing, the speaker of the house had reiterated that the bill was to promote peaceful co-existence in the state.

Ubosi said the public hearing was to afford residents the opportunity to make contributions to the “crucial” bill, adding that every opinion expressed would be considered in the passage of the bill.

Also, Siddiki Gidado, chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders’ Association (MACBAN), in the south-east, had asked the assembly for one month to articulate the association’s position on the bill.

Gidado said the group was notified of the public hearing only five days ago, adding that the situation made it difficult to come up with a position “because of the technicalities involved”.

He said it was important for members of the association to be sensitised on the development to avoid misconceptions.