Ubong Sampson – Uyo
Open grazing has legally become an offence in any part of the Akwa Ibom state geographical space, following a new law by the Akwa Ibom state House of Assembly prohibiting open grazing in the state.
Through a bill for a law to prohibit open rearing and grazing of livestock and provide for the establishment of ranches in Akwa Ibom State, the legislature in the state made the law effective from September 14, 2021.
A statement from its press unit confirmed that the bill was made law during plenary on Tuesday, after the House received a report of the Joint House Committees on Agriculture and Natural Resources, as well as Lands and Housing which took the bill through formal legislative processes.
Presenting the committees’ report, Asuquo Udo who represents Ikono State Constituency observed that the passage of the bill into law will promote modern techniques of animal husbandry, prevent the destruction of farms, while also reducing clashes and killings between herders and farmers in the state.
“The Bill will promote international best practices in livestock administration, regulation and control in the state, among other things”, he added.
He also revealed that copies of the bill were sent to relevant stakeholders whose inputs were solicited and obtained through a memoranda submitted to the committee at the public hearing.
In his remark, Speaker of the House, Aniekan Bassey directed the Clerk to communicate the decision of the House to the appropriate authorities.
Though the statement did not indicate penalties set in the law for defaulters, our correspondent gathered from the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Aniefiok Denis that 5 years and a fine of one million naira is the penalty.
Meanwhile, the new law has been granted accent by the state governor, Udom Emmanuel. The law was signed by the governor, Wednesday, after Speaker Aniekan Bassey together with the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Uko Udom (SAN), presented same at the executive chambers of the Governor’s Office, Uyo.
The governor, after signing, stated that the new law is no respecter of persons irrespective of status or caliber. He further instructed relevant authorities of government to ensure that the bill is implemented and enforced to the letter with strict compliance, stressing that culprits must be brought to book accordingly.
