The state’s anti-open grazing bill, known as the “Bill Prohibiting Open Grazing, Indiscriminate Breeding, Rearing, and Marketing of Livestock,” was passed by the Delta State House of Assembly on Tuesday.
Following a motion by Majority Leader Ferguson Onwo, the bill was unanimously passed by the House and adopted during the day’s resumed session.
When passed into law, the bill will prohibit the arbitrary rearing and movements of cattle in the state, as well as the carrying of firearms, whether licensed or not, by residents or individuals in the state.
While presenting the bill’s findings on the House floor, the Chairman of the House Committee on Special Bills, Pat Ajudua, noted that stakeholder feedback was included in the proposed law.
Sheriff Oborevwori, the Speaker of the Assembly, stated that the people of Delta and other citizens of the state will be pleased with the bill’s passage.
“Dear colleagues, I congratulate all of us on the passage of this very important Bill. Today, the House has fulfilled the commitment of our dear state to the agreement reached the Southern Governors’ meeting held here in our state capital.
“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 recognizing that the security of lives and properties of Deltans as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as altered) are sacrosanct.
“With the passage of this Bill, well-meaning persons who seek to carry on the business of breeding, rearing, and marketing of livestock shall do so within the boundaries of the Law.
“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 the 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 Speaker stated.
