The much anticipated law against open grazing in Enugu State might become a reality as the Bill for the passage of the law has scaled a second reading on the floor of Enugu State House of Assembly.
After the reading of the bill on the anti-open grazing and regulation of cattle ranching in the state on Thursday, the Speaker of Enugu House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Edward Ubosi directed the joint House committees on Agriculture, Judiciary and Security to conduct a public hearing on the open grazing bill.
Ubosi said the public hearing will enable residents of the state to air their opinions concerning the anti-open grazing bill, which will give farmers the confidence to return back to their farms.
According to the Speaker, the people are happy with the introduction of the bill, as many of his constituents have requested for its accelerated passage.
Leading a debate on the bill, the leader of the House, Ikechukwu Ezugwu, argued that the government can’t pretend to be ignorant of clashes between farmers and herders, which has resulted in the destruction of lives and properties in the state.
Ezugwu, while noting that security of lives and properties is the primary responsibility of the state government, stressed that the bill will ban anybody from rearing cattle in the state on foot, adding that it will be an offence for an underage child to rear cattle during school hours.
According to the lawmaker, anybody interested in rearing cattle should get a land and set up a cattle ranching, emphasizing that the era of open grazing is over in Enugu state.
The member representing Nkanu West Constituency, Hon. Iloabuchi Aniagu, described the bill as one of the most important bills introduced in the seventh assembly.
He pointed out that with the introduction of ranching, farmers will resume their farming activities without fear of herders invading their farmlands and also help the government to get necessary revenues.
On his part, Jeff Mba representing Oji-River Constituency argued that open grazing has brought about many unexplainable disease to the state, which according to him will be solved by ranching.
Mba added that the anti-open grazing bill will move Enugu state to 21st century lifestyle.
Ezenta Ezeani representing Igbo-Etiti Constituency, sought the support of his constituents for quick passage of the anti-open grazing bill, aimed at curtailing clashes and destruction caused by herders in the state.
The House, thereafter, adjourned its plenary to Thursday, August 26, 2021.
