RSHA Commits Open Grazing Bill To Committee

The Rivers State House of Assembly has committed the Open Grazing Bill to the committee stage.
When the debate for the bill came up on the floor of the House, last Wednesday, many lawmakers spoke in support of the bill as it affects their constituencies.
Two lawmakers, Hon. Prince Mgbor of Khana Constituency 1, and Hon Michael Chinda of Obio/Akpor 2, submitted that the bill was key to peace and security of their constituents.
Mgbor recalled incidents where farmers from his constituency had clashed with herdsmen who lead cows across farmlands in the area.
On many occasions, he narrated that crops were devastated and destroyed by the roaming cows.
He, therefore, insisted that the bill be quickly passed into law.
The same view was canvassed by Chinda who said, “There is need to stop unnecessary movements of herdsmen and cows destroying farmlands.”
After debate, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Ikuinyi-Owaji Ibani mandated the House Committees on Agriculture and Environment to convene public hearing on the bill.
It would be recalled that the bill tagged, “Rivers State Public Prohibition of Open Rearing and Grazing of Livestock and Ranches Administration Bill 2021’, had first reading on the floor of the state House of Assembly, last week.
The bill, which was initiated by the State Executive Council, was first read on the floor of the House during plenary, last Monday.
The Rivers State Public Prohibition of Open Rearing and Grazing of Livestock and Ranches Administration Bill 2021 seeks to outlaw the open rearing and grazing of livestock, including cattle and provides for the establishment and effective administration of ranches across the state.

By: Kevin Nengia