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Enugu Assembly passes anti-open grazing bill

Moses Oyediran, Enugu

Following the ultimatum given by the Southern Governors Forum in May to ban open grazing and movement of cattle by foot, the Enugu State House of Assembly has complied by passing the bill prohibiting Open Grazing and Regulation of Cattle Ranching in the state.

This is coming two days after the House held a public hearing on the Bill.

The passage of the Bill followed the consideration of the Report of Public Hearing presented by Chairman of the joint Committee, Hon. Mrs. Amaka Ugwueze and Emma Ugwuerua, PhD, and Okwu Chinedu, co-chairmen of the committee.

The bill which was sponsored by the leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Ikechukwu Ezeugwu, would forestall farmers/herders clashes as well as killing and raping of women by herdsmen.

The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi, had, during the public hearing, said that the anti-open grazing bill is not targeted at anybody or group but to promote peaceful co-existence in the state.

The Assembly had ignored a call by Miyetti Allah who asked for 30 days for them to articulate and present their stand on the bill.

The Daily Times recalls that the governors in the region agreed for a deadline of September for the passage of similar laws across the states.

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