Gov. Nyesom Wike vows to introduce anti grazing law in Rivers
Despite the stern opposition to the plan by the Federal Government, Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers says his state is on the verge of joining the growing list of states who have introduced the anti- open grazing law.
The governor spoke on Wednesday during the commissioning of two streets in new G.R.A., Port Harcourt, the state capital.
He noted that the decision follows the resolution of the southern governors to ban open grazing in the region.
Wike said with the reopening of the Rivers State House of Assembly following the suspension of the strike by the assembly workers, his government is preparing to send the bill for legislative consideration.
“Now that the state Assembly has come back, we have to submit the anti-open grazing bill as we agreed in the Southern Governors’ Forum. Everybody must understand this. Without any hesitation we must do it (ban open grazing) to protect our women and youths so that nobody will go and kill them,” Wike said.
The governor also called for prayers following the economic and security challenges in Nigeria, saying the country is in dire need of help.
“Let me say this clearly, the truth must be told, Nigeria is in dire need of help. Nigeria needs prayer. Our mothers and sisters need to put their needs on the ground and pray to God to salvage this country.
“Each day you wake up, you hear people are being killed. You can’t go to the farm; those who do cattle will not allow your crops to grow,” Wike added.
Earlier in May, Southern Governors in a communique jointly signed at the end of their meeting in Asaba, Delta State announced a ban on open grazing of cattle across states in the region.
They also urged President Muhammadu Buhari to address Nigerians on the state of the nation and called for the restructuring of the country to address increasing agitations in different parts of the nation, while restating their commitment to the unity of the country. (Channels TV).
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