Delta Assembly Meets With Stakeholders to Address Persistent Open Grazing Despite Anti-Grazing Law
ASABA/Nigeria: In a bid to tackle the ongoing challenge of open grazing in Delta State, the State House of Assembly convened a stakeholders meeting on Tuesday at the State’s Assembly Complex.
The meeting, spearheaded by the Assembly Committee on Legislative Compliance and chaired by Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon Arthur Akpowowo, aimed to address the continued violation of the Anti-Open Grazing Law three years after its enactment.
Expressing concern over the flagrant disregard for the law, Akpowowo emphasized the need for stricter enforcement in collaboration with the Executive branch. He highlighted the alarming rate of killings, maiming, and raping of innocent farmers and residents by herdsmen, despite the prohibition of open grazing.
During the meeting, which was attended by security agencies and members of the Delta State Livestock Management Committee, Akpowowo reiterated the Assembly’s commitment to ensuring full compliance with the open grazing law. He condemned the recent incidents of violence, including the killing of a farmer in Uwheru community and attacks on farmers in Abraka.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, Rt. Hon. Akpowowo emphasized the importance of enforcing the law to prevent further crises and food shortages. He called on security agencies to apprehend and prosecute offenders, stressing that no one should be above the law.
The Committee, which includes key members of the House such as the Majority Leader, Minority Leader, Chief Whip, Deputy Majority Leader, and Majority Whip, resolved to convene another meeting with additional stakeholders to find a lasting solution to the challenges posed by herdsmen in the state.
