ADIRAHU IGEDE COMMENDS BENUE ANTI GRAZING BILL, LAUDS HON. NICK EWORO

ADIRAHU IGEDE COMMENDS BENUE ANTI GRAZING BILL, LAUDS HON. NICK EWORO
By
Akoko J. Smith

Traditional ruler of the Igede kingdom and former commissioner of Police, His Royal Majesty, Chief Oga Ero, yesterday applauded the administration of Governor Samuel Ortom for the successful passing into law of the bill prohibiting open livestock rearing and grazing in the state. Chief Oga Ero who emphasized the development as a milestone by Governor Ortom also lauded the Deputy Majority Leader of Benue State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Edukelaho Nick Eworo, as one of the frontiers of the noble movement which has today translated into law.

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 Delivering a speech in Ona Blessed Emmanuel's concert cum book presentation in honour of his late wife, Mrs Peace Blessed Ona at the Benue Peoples House, Makurdi, the traditional ruler expressed his deep satisfaction for the law which he described as 'the mind of the Benue people'. According to him, not only did Governor Ortom give ample time for livestock owners to prepare themselves before the full implementation but also provided machineries for ranching to further exemplify his commitment to the law.

"The law is not against Fulani but also applicable to indigene livestock owners. I'm happy and the people of Benue state are happy as well. The Deputy Majority Leader of Benue assembly, Hon. Nick Eworo who is seated here is an architect of the law," he added. This was greeted with uproarious excitement and deafening applause as the large congregation gave the outspoken legislator a standing ovation.

Recall the government of Benue state on May 22, 2017, passed an anti open grazing bill into law with effect from November 1st, prohibiting open grazing in the Benue communities, it has been said that Hon. Nick Eworo is at the forefront among those who resiliently championed the cause despite the odds. The law which is aimed at halting the incessant farmers–hersmen crisis in the state and maintaining peace between them has been reasonably adjudged functional and effective; for since signing and subsequent implementation, relative peace has been restored to the farmers, who did go to the farm with the fear of not coming back with their head on the neck.

 

Meanwhile, the law also explicitly spells out a penalty for contravention or acts reflective of non compliance. To this end, violators are to pay a fine of one million naira or be made to serve a prison term of 5 years – or both – on conviction by the constitutional court. It has been regarded by many as the only achievement of Governor Samuel Ortom which is worthy of appreciation since voted into power in May, 2015.