Ban on open grazing ‘ll end bloodshed – Sen. Ekpenyong

Senator Christopher Ekpenyong, representing Ikot Ekpene Senatorial district, in Akwa Ibom state has said that the recent ban of open cattle grazing will end the constant clash between herders and farmers.

Southern governors had few weeks ago banned open grazing in their part of the country.

Ekpenyong who spoke on Tuesday in an interview in Uyo, described the action of the governors as commendable.

He said those opposed to the decision taken by the 17 Southern governors during their meeting recently in Asaba, Delta State do not have the interest of the country at heart.

He particularly chided the Attorney- General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, for allegedly misleading Nigerians and the federal government by it’s statement on the ban, stressing that those opposed to the governor’s open grazing ban do not have the interest of the country at heart.

His words, “I am totally in support of the decision of the governors of the Southern Nigeria to ban open grazing of Cattle in their respective States. It is highly commendable. The ban is very germane to curbing the violent and persistent clashes between Farmers and Pastoralists in the Southern region.

“In fact for the first time in recent times I feel so happy that the governors have seen the need to come together despite party affiliation to discuss and take proactive decisions on issues bedeviling their states and the region. I am also 100 per cent in support of others decision they took at the Asaba meeting including the restructuring of Nigeria.

“And Nigerians should disregard those opposed to the open grazing ban. Anyone opposed to such steps to ensure peace among Nigerians does not have the interest of this country at heart. I am particularly disappointed with the Attorney- General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami for trying to mislead Nigerians and the All Progressives Congress (APC) by his own interpretation of the ban.

“How can he compare movement of Cattle and Spare parts business? It is sad. The governors took the decision as part of strategy to address the insecurity caused by the Farmers and Cattle herders clashes. It is a cause of concern. And as Chief Security Officers of their States the safety of their citizens should be their primary responsibility.”

Senator Ekpenyong however advised state governors whose states are yet to enact the anti-open grazing Law to ensure they work with their State Houses of Assembly to do so, stressing that the ban on the open grazing must be backed with the enabling Law.

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