What Nest Is Obaseki Brooding On The Proposed Grazing Bill Before The Legislature?
The Oasis Reporters
February 22, 2018
RE: PDP’s OPEN GRAZING BILL PREMATURE
Edo State PDP read the above titled response of the Edo State Government, EDSG, to the proposed bill, “BILL TO PROHIBIT OPEN REARING AND GRAZING OF LIVESTOCK AND PROVIDE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF RANCHES AND LIVESTOCK ADMINISTRATION, REGULATION AND CONTROL AND FOR OTHER MATTERS CONNECTED THEREWITH 2018” sent to Edo State House of Assembly, EDHA, which we believe when passed into law, will prevent the destruction of farms and farm produce as well as protect lives and properties of farmers, their wives and children occasioned by open grazing.
Unfortunately, EDSG is so arrogant that within twenty fours hours of the proposal being sent to EDHA which is a different arm of government, and less than two hours of PDP going public with the proposed bill, they called it “premature”.
This attitude is disgraceful.
In their hurriedly put together write up, they claimed erroneously or rather deceitfully, that since the ban on night grazing was put in place, there has been no incidence and as such the bill was unnecessary.
On the 12th of February, 2018 in Ofunwengbe Community in Ovia South West local government of Edo State, a lady and her daughter were attacked in their farm. This attack, like 99% of previous attacks took place in broad daylight.
The ban on night grazing is ill thought out, inappropriate, a farce and a complete failure. EDSG should be conscious of the fact that in Nigeria, especially in Edo State, our men, women and children go to the farm during the day. They don’t farm at night. Edo people are worried that despite the havoc being visited on the state by marauding herdsmen, the state government appears unperturbed, unprepared and overwhelmed.
We disagree with their “worthless” ban on night grazing as it carries no legal weight and therefore not prosecutable !
As for our proposed bill, we suggest the executive stay on its lane!
The bill was sent to the house of Assembly, they as legislators know what to do. They should list it, debate it and have a public hearing on it. We urge them to follow due process as no one should contemplate playing politics with the lives and wellbeing of Edo citizens.
We thank Edo people for the support they have given the proposed bill. On our part, we will continue to do the needful.
Edo people’s welfare is our driving spirit.
PDP… Listening to the cries of Edo People!
Signed
Chris Osa Nehikhare
SPS PDP EDO STATE
