From Isaac Ojo
The Leadership of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MCBAN), South East zone, has appeal to the Anambra State governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo not to enforce banning movement of cattle on foot in the state.
The Association says, if enforced eventually, it would affect its members source of surviving in the state.
Gov Soludo, during a meeting with members of Anambra State Cattle Menace Committee at the Government House, Awka, last weekend banned movement of cattle on foot in every part of Anambra State.
The Anambra State governor said the ban was in compliance with the 2021 anti-open grazing law of the State, adding that enforcement would begin from September, 2022.
According to him, now that we have a law banning open grazing, the law enforcement agents have been directed to implement it.
“Though the law has been in existence since almost one year ago, cattle rearers keep parading certain areas in the State in contravention to the law,” Soludo said.
He added that his administration would ensure the implementation of the law by September.
He applauded members of the Anambra State Cattle Menace Committee for their devotion to duty, saying that Anambra people have largely lived in harmony with herdsmen, but the herdsmen must conduct their businesses within the ambit of extant laws.
Former governor, Willie Obiano had assented to the Cattle and Other Livestock Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Bill of Anambra State in 2021, but failed to enforce the ban.
Reacting further on the development during their meeting held in Awka, on Monday, the leader of the association in the South-east zone, Gidado Siddiki, begged the governor to suspend the implementation at the moment to enable them educate their members the more, on how to go about it.
“Majority of us (Fulanis), don’t know any business more than rearing of cattles. Some of us were born and breed in this rearing of cattle business here in Anambra state. We have no other place to go.
“The herders are aware that the state governor has flagged off massive tree planting exercise in the 181 communities as part of measures to control the spread of gully erosion in the state, and as law abiding citizens, we have caution all our members and equally urged them to protect the trees in their various host communities.
“Our members has remain commitment to peaceful coexistence with their host communities and the South-east geopolitical zone at large.
“We therefore, called on concern stakeholders to help us begged the governor, if possible, to revised his decision on the banned, Siddiki added.
