A/Ibom: Gov. signs anti-grazing bill into law, says there ‘ll be no sacred cow 

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

Akwa Ibom State has joined other states in the south to sign the anti-open grazing law as agreed on July 11 at their last meeting in Lagos.

The state Governor, Udom Emmanuel on Wednesday, signed the anti-open grazing bill into law, providing for the establishment of ranches in the state.

Speaker Basset right

The Speaker of the House, Aniekan Bassey, had directed the Clerk of the House, Mrs Mandu Umoren to communicate the Assembly’s decision to the Governor for his assent.

The bill which scaled third reading on Tuesday was thereafter passed by the State House of Assembly.

Governor Emmanuel after signing the Bill into Law said the new law is no respecter of persons irrespective of status or calibre.

He instructed relevant authorities of government to ensure that the bill is fully implemented and enforced stressing that culprits must be brought to book accordingly.

Speaking on the benefits of the law, the governor said, ” The new Law will promote modern techniques in animal husbandry, prevent the destruction of farms by wandering cattle while reducing clashes and killings between herders and farmers in the state.

“It will also promote international best practices in livestock administration, regulation and control in the state, among other things