As part of efforts to regulate cattle rearing and businesses in Ekiti State, the State House of Assembly yesterday held a public hearing on Prohibition of Cattle Grazing Bill 2016.
Governor Ayodele Fayose who forwarded the bill to the house for consideration for passage into law had banned open grazing of cattle in the state, following a reported attack on Oke Ako community where two persons were killed and others injured on May 20.
Presentations were made by stakeholders before the House Joint Committees on Agriculture and Environment at the public hearing held at the Assembly’s hallowed chambers yesterday.
The stakeholders include traditional rulers, Ministry of Agriculture, Cattle Rearers Association, farmers, law enforcement agents, civil society groups, affected communities and local government councils representatives.
The Legal Adviser, Jamu Nati Fulbe Association of Nigeria, Mr Umar Imam, said the body is not opposed to the passage of the bill, but urged the assembly to mandate those that will move their cattle at night to get permission from the state government, saying compelling situations could make them embark on movement at night.
Appealing to the lawmakers to reconsider its stand on the ban on night grazing, he disagreed with section 2(1) and 2 which suggested that designated ranches will be provided by the government to restrict the cattle to a portion , saying this will lead to the death of the cattle of his clients.
