Gov. Udom signs anti-grazing bill into law

By Sunday Bassey

Governor Udom Emmanuel on Wednesday signed into law a Bill to Prohibit Open Rearing and Grazing of Livestock and the Establishment of Ranches in Akwa Ibom state.

Speaker of the House of Assembly, Aniekan Bassey presented the Bill for the governor’s assent alongside the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Uko Udom (SAN),

The governor noted at the ceremony that the new law is no respecter of persons irrespective of status or calibre.

He instructed relevant authorities of government to ensure that the law was implemented and enforced to the letter.

He stressed that culprits must be brought to book accordingly.

Meanwhile, he said the law would promote modern techniques in animal husbandry and prevent the destruction of farms by grazing cattle.

This, he said, would also reduce clashes and killings between herders and farmers in the state.

“It will also promote international best practices in livestock administration, regulation and control, among things,’’ he said.

NAN