Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State on Wednesday, September 15, 2021, signed the anti-open grazing bill into law, providing for the establishment of ranches in the state.
The State House of Assembly had on Tuesday, September 14, 2021, passed the bill into law.
The Speaker of the House, Aniekan Bassey, had directed the Clerk of the House, Mrs Mandu Umoren to communicate the Assembly’s decision to the Governor for his assent.
Udom after signing the Bill into Law said the new law is no respecter of persons irrespective of status or calibre.
He instructed relevant authorities of government to ensure that the bill is fully implemented and enforced stressing that culprits must be brought to book accordingly.
Speaking on the benefits of the law, the governor said, ”The new Law will promote modern techniques in animal husbandry, prevent the destruction of farms by wandering cattle while reducing clashes and killings between herders and farmers in the state.
“It will also promote international best practices in livestock administration, regulation, and control in the state, among other things.”
