Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, has finally signed into law the Anti-Open Grazing Bill on Tuesday, 31st August 2021.
The bill which is coming into law had been passed by the State House of Assembly few weeks ago.
The anti-grazing bill was made following the increased number of complaints from residents in the southern area of Nigeria, accusing herdsmen of causing destruction in communities, especially in southern states, resulting in the resolution of the Southern Governors Forum to sign the bill into law.
Disclosing the signed bill in a statement by the State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Donald Ojogo, he stated that the governor signed the bill into law in his office on Tuesday.
According to the statement: “The move (signing the bill) is in line with the resolution of the Southern Governors’ Forum at its last meeting in Lagos where September 1st was set as the deadline for governors in southern Nigeria to sign the Anti-Open Grazing Bill into law.
“This is worthwhile and a very laudable development aimed at stemming needless instances of skirmishes, conflicts as well as infractions on the enviably peaceful disposition of the good people of Ondo State.
“It is very pertinent to aver and indeed, reiterate that the law shall rather, engender a more cordial, mutually benefiting relationship amongst residents of the state irrespective of ethnicity, religion or creed. For emphasis, no particular group of persons is the target.
“While it is the hope of government that all residents would take an ample advantage of this Law to enhance our socio-economic well being in Ondo State, compliance of same shall be given the utmost attention. Government shall pursue with vigour, through lawful means, to ensure strict compliance.
“In this regard, details of the new law shall be made available to the public for proper information, more depth of understanding on contents as well as other relevant areas”.
