By Austin Ogwuda
THE Delta State House of Assembly Committee on Legislative Compliance charged with oversight functions summoned a stakeholders’ meeting to find a solution to the flagrant violation of the Anti-Open Grazing Law which came into effect since three years ago it was signed into law.
The meeting was attended by security agencies in the State as well as members of the Delta State Livestock Management Committee held at the Assembly premises, Wednesday.
The lawmakers said it was worrisome that despite the law in force, unwholesome killings, maiming and raping of innocent farmers and residents in the State by the herdsmen were ongoing with impunity.
Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, Rt Hon Arthur Akpowowo heading the Legislative Compliance Committee expressed deep shock and concern that violators of the Anti-Open Grazing Law are working freely on the streets.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the meeting, Akpowowo said, “you will recall that about two weeks ago, it was reported here in this Hallowed Chambers that a farmer was killed in Uwheru community in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the State.
“Also, last year, in my constituency, Abraka, some farmers were killed as they were attacked by herdsmen on their farm.
“Everywhere in Delta State, the story is the same. There is hardly any week without one ugly story or the other relating to the activities of herdsmen in the State.
“This must not continue especially when there is an existing law prohibiting open grazing in the State. The law is made to be obeyed and, it must be obeyed to the latter”, he vowed.
He further noted that until the State and the entire country take firm decision on the the unwholesome activities of herders, the challenge of food shortage would continue unabated.
Akpowowo disclosed that the committee had asked the security agencies in the State to rise up to their task of arresting, apprehending as well as prosecuting offenders of the law, adding that there must not be any scared cow.
The Deputy Speaker said the Committee would convene another meeting as soon as possible with involvement of other critical stakeholders in its efforts in finding lasting solution to the herdsmen challenges in the state.
Other members of the committee include, the House Majority Leader, Emeka Nwaobi, Minority Leader, Dafe Emakpor, Chief Whip, Perkins Umukoro, Deputy Majority Leader, Festus Okoh, Majority Whip, Bernerd Odior and Hon Pereotu Oloye who represents Burutu 11 constituency in the House.
Photo: The Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo
