Enugu Assembly Approves Public Ranch Management Agency Bill

Enugu Assembly Approves Public Ranch Management Agency Bill

The Enugu State House of Assembly has given the nod to the Public Ranch Management Agency bill.

This legislation, passed on Tuesday in Enugu, empowers the state government to establish an agency responsible for overseeing both government-owned and privately owned ranches within the state…..READ ALSO Why Labour Party Cannot Lead Enugu Assembly Despite Being Majority

Prior to the bill’s passage, Clifford Obe, the representative for Igbo-Eze North Constituency II, emphasized that this measure aimed to address the farmer/herder crisis plaguing the state, which has contributed to a decline in agricultural productivity.

Obe underscored the importance of the bill in instilling a sense of security among citizens, mandating herders to register upon entering any community. He highlighted the agency’s role in reducing crime and maintaining order in both urban and rural areas affected by cattle grazing.

Additionally, Okechukwu Aneke, representing Udi South Constituency, emphasized that the bill was not targeted solely at Fulani herders, urging for mutual coexistence among all stakeholders. He emphasized that the legislation aimed to regulate herding activities and differentiate between genuine herders and criminal elements.

Chima Obieze, another lawmaker, dismissed criticisms of the bill, urging the public to embrace diversity and ensure that businesses from other regions feel welcome in Enugu. He stressed the importance of operating within the framework of existing laws.

Harrison Ogara, representing Igbo-Eze South, highlighted the bill’s potential to foster peace between farmers and herders, urging strategic implementation by the executive arm of government.

Speaker Chief Uche Ugwu reassured the people that the Assembly would not endorse any bill that jeopardizes peace in the state.

The passage of this bill aligns with the Southern Governors’ directive to halt open grazing, as similar legislation was passed by the previous state assembly in 2021. This legislation aims to prevent the destruction of farmlands and property caused by open grazing and promote sustainable ranching practices.

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