Ondo State Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), on Tuesday honoured his pledge by signing into law the Anti-Open Grazing Bill passed by the state House of Assembly.
Thus brings the number of states to six in Southern part of the country that have outlawed open grazing and seven in the country – Benue state in the middle belt zone.
Other states where open grazing have been outlawed are Rivers, Bayelsa, Ekiti,Abia,and Oyo states.
Anti-open grazing bills are being deliberated upon in various state Assemblies in Lagos, Ondo, Osun, Ogun, Delta, A/Ibom, Enugu and Imo states.
Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Donald Ojogo, who announced that Governor Rotimi Akeredolu has assented to the state anti open grazing bill on Tuesday said the governor signed the law in his office.
Akeredolu said “the move 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. he said.
He said that 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,” he said