BREAKING: ENUGU STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY PASSES ANTI-OPEN GRAZING BILL INTO LAW, OUTLINES 3YRS JAIL TERM FOR DEFAULTERS, INCLUDES CONDITIONS FOR RANCHING, OTHER MATTERS

BREAKING: ENUGU STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY PASSES ANTI-OPEN GRAZING BILL INTO LAW, OUTLINES 3YRS JAIL TERM FOR DEFAULTERS, INCLUDES CONDITIONS FOR RANCHING

Thurs, Sept. 2nd, 2021

Recall that two days ago, on Tues, Aug. 31st, Enugu State House of Assembly  invited the general public, to a public hearing "On a bill for a law to prohibit open grazing, regulate cattle ranching and for connected purposes", where many stakeholders in attendance endorsed the bill which they described as long over due. But the representatives of the Fulani herders under the umbrella of Miyetti Allah Hor and Gan-Allah Fulani Development Association of Nigeria (GAFDAN),  Alhaji Gidado Idris, Head of Miyetti Allah in the South East and Musa Abdullahi, his Zonal Chairman held a contrary opinion that the House should give them a period of one month to go back to deliberate on the bill before making their own submissions on the open grazing prohibition bill with the reason that they would have to make consultations with their people first and also brief them of the new development to avoid misconceptions from their subjects. 

The Speaker of the House had earlier at the public hearing maintained that the anti-open grazing bill was not targeted at anybody or group but to promote co-existence in the state.

Glaringly, today Thurs, Sept. 2nd, at the plenary session, the House passed the Anti-Open Grazing Bill into law following a clause by clause voting on the considerations of the report of the Public Hearing presented by the Chairman of the Joint Committee, Hon. Mrs Amaka Ugwueze and Hon. Dr. Emma Ugwuerua as well as Hon. Chinedu Okwu who are Co-Chairmen of the Committee.

The bill which was sponsored by the Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Ikechukwu Ezeugwu seeks to "prevent the destruction of farmlands, farm crops, community ponds, settlements and properties. 

As learnt by JANE-CARESTV, the bill also further seeks to help forestall farmers/herders clashes, killings, sexual molestation by herders/cattle rustlers, protect our environments from degradation and pollution caused by open grazing/rearing of livestock. 

Other objectives of the bill also gathered by JANE-CARESTV includes; 

"To optimize the use of land resources in the face of overstretched land and increasing population".

"Prevent, control and manage the spread of animal diseases, create a conducive environment for large scale crop production  and also reduce incidences of road accidents caused by open grazing/rearing of livestock".

When this is signed into law by the Governor, any grazing outside the "permitted ranches" becomes an offence. 

On further gatherings by JANE-CARESTV, it is believed that under the provisions of the law, any person or group of persons that disregards the law, upon conviction is "liable to a jail term of imprisonment of not less than Three (3) years without the option of fine", also forfeiture of the herds of cattle or livestock under his or her control to the State Government. 

"The law also prohibits a minor from grazing, rearing  or herding of livestock without the supervision of an adult and going against this provision attracts a fine of ₦300,000 by the guardian or parent of the minor". 

"The law provides for the leasing of land by any intending herder from the owners for a period not exceeding three years which will be renewable after expiration".

"Permits shall be issued to a Nigerian who is authorized to conduct business under the Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria". 

"Permits shall be for a period of three (3) years and renewable after expiration, subject to the approval of the land owner and upon the existence of other factors for the initial grant", section of the law reads. 

The Law also laid down the procedures to acquire a land to be used for a ranching in the State. 

These steps includes;

(1). A Herder shall apply in writing to the owner of the land whereupon he intends to site his ranch. 

(2). The owner(s) after consultation with and the consent of the kindred head, community leaders who must include the town union executive and the traditional ruler of the community, may grant his consent in writing for three years lease of the land and on such terms and conditions as the parties may agree upon. 

(3). The Herders shall forward a written application for a permit to the Ministry alongside the consent of the owner and the kindred head of the land. 

(4). The Ministry of Environment shall carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the land applied for. 

(5). A copy of the report of the EIA shall be forwarded to the owner, the kindred head and the community leaders aforesaid, for considerations and their views thereon to be submitted at a joint meeting convened for that purpose by the Ministry within Thirty (30) days of receipt of the EIA. 

(6). The EIA report, if found suitable by the land owner, the kindred head and the community leaders, shall recommend to the Ministry to issue permit to the Herder. 

The Law also said that any person who contravenes the provisions (1-3) stated above "is guilty of an offence and is liable on conviction to two (2) years imprisonment or a fine of ₦200,000.00 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira Only) or both". 

Enugu State is in the hands of God. 

®️Comr. Okolike Michael

SSA, Media & Publicity to the Chief Whip ENHA