OPC praises governor for signing anti-grazing bill into law

Fayose signed the bill into law on Monday, August 29, 2016, in the presence of more than 3,000 traditional chiefs in the state.

The OPC’s comments were contained in a statement released by National Coordinator, Otunba Gani Adams.

The statement reads:

“Going by the wicked records of Fulani herdsmen who have turned the clean and clear rivers of their host communities in the southwest area of the country into rivers that flow with human blood, the action of Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose and the state House of Assembly to pass the anti-grazing bill in the state is highly commendable.”

“The bill, which prevents herdsmen from carrying weapons is indeed a good step in the right direction and should be applauded by all right-thinking people across the country.

“It is no longer news that the herdsmen have been acting with impunity in communities across the southwest. They have killed, robbed and raped hapless citizens without any action taken against them by the security agencies. This seeming sense of insecurity and helplessness by the people is a dangerous trend that portends danger for the peaceful coexistence of Nigerians.

“These days, not a day passes without a fresh news about the dastardly activities of these men breaking. From the killing in Enugu, to Kaduna and other parts of the country, it is the same sad story every day.

“Ekiti State has set the pace and showed us how to stop the senseless killings. I want to implore other state governors, especially in the southwest, to follow this laudable example and pass similar law that will restrict these herdsmen from their wicked and evil actions. We all must remember that cattle business is a private business with private interest.

“Therefore, it should not be made to look to enjoy any special favour by the government. The carrying and use of automatic weapons by herdsmen should be outlawed and Ekiti State has shown the way.”

Under the law, herdsmen are forbidden from carrying arms and indiscriminately moving cattle from one location to the other.

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The Ekiti Grazing Prohibition Law also provides a jail term of six months without option of fine for any herdsman who violates the stipulations while any herdsman found with arms will be charged with terrorism.