Enugu overlooks request by Miyetti Allah, passes anti-open grazing bill

 

The Enugu State House of Assembly has passed a bill for a law to prohibit open grazing, regulate cattle ranching in the state into law.

The House had, on Tuesday, conducted a public hearing on the bill, which was generally approved by stakeholders in attendance.

Although, the leadership of the Northern Community in Enugu State had said during the hearing that it would support any law that will bring peace and security in the state, it however urged the House to give it 30 days to articulate its position on the bill and submit to the House.

The South East Zonal Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Gidado Siddiki, who made the submission of the Northern Community in Enugu, had said, “I plead for a period of one month to enable us come out with a position that will truly carry our disposition with due consideration to the good of Enugu State and Nigeria.”

READ: Governors insist on southern President, set deadline for open grazing ban

Passing the bill into law during the plenary on Thursday, the Speaker, Edward Ubosi, said the bill was not targeted at any group or individuals but for the peace and security of residents of Enugu State.

He commended the members 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,” he said.