WE ARE TIRED OF OPEN GRAZING- MIYETTI ALLAH
The Miyetti Allah Breeders Association of Nigeria says that it is tired of open grazing in Ondo State, calling government to make provision for ranches in putting an end to frequent crisis between herdsmen and farmers.
Alhaji Bello Garba, the Chairman of the association, stated this on Wednesday in Akure during a public hearing on a Bill to Regulate Rearing and Grazing of Livestock and to Provide for the Establishment of Ranches and other Related Matters.
Garba said that the association was part of any peaceful move in the state, adding that farmers and herdsmen must carry out their duties without clashing.
According to him, the association has been begging the state government to register all Fulani man in every local council area of the state.
Meanwhile while declaring the public hearing open, the speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly Rt Hon Bamidele Oloyelogun, said that the public hearing would have effects on peaceful existence of the state.
He said ” It is for peace to reign in our state. This record will go a long way, having effects even on the children unborn.
” Your memoranda, suggestions will be welcome. Please, be free to air your views and minds but we must be objective and have constructive criticism,” he said.
He said that the bill if passed into law would prevent arson, clashes between farmers and herdsmen, adding that nothing good could come out from crisis.
In his remarks, the Chairman, House Committee on Agriculture, Hon Mohammed Taofik Oladele, said that the importance of the bill could not be overemphasized, hence the need for the hearing.
The Lawmaker noted that one of the cardinal roles of the bill was to achieve virile and peaceful atmosphere.
He added that the bill was attached to human survival, considering the frequent fracas between farmers and herdsmen which had resulted in loss of lives and property in the state.
According to him, it is regrettable that some criminally-minded people hide under the feuds between farmers and herdsmen to wreak havoc on the innocent citizens, saying that this has brought uneasy calm and perpetual fear in every quarter.
The chairman explained that the effects of the lingering misunderstanding between the duo had grave effects on economy, growth and development of the state.
Also reacting, Mr Akin Olotu, the Special Adviser on Agriculture to the state governor, said that the bill was for justice and fairness.
He said ” The bill is not meant to persecute anybody.
” If you recollect, Mr Governor sometimes ago asked illegal occupants to leave our forests. This does not point to any ethnicity. For every person, you are free to operate irrespective of your ethnicity in the state,” he said.
The SA noted that the bill would address slaughtering of cows, providing a designated location in each local council area.
Dr Akinwumi Gideon, the state Commandant of Vigilante Group of Nigeria, described the bill and the public hearing as commendable.
Oba Adeleye, who applauded the public hearing , stated that the gathering was meant for the peace of the state, saying that ” we are to make a headway because we disagree to agree,” he said.
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