By Ayoyinka Jegede

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, has signed the Bill to Prohibit Open Rearing and Grazing of Livestock and Provide for the Establishment of Ranches in the state into law.

Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Aniekan Bassey, and the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Uko Udom (SAN), presented the Bill for signing yesterday at the Governor’s Office in Uyo.

After signing the bill into law, the governor stressed that the new law was no respecter of persons irrespective of status.

He, therefore, directed the relevant government authorities to ensure that the law was implemented and enforced to the letter with strict compliance, stressing that culprits would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The law is aimed at promoting modern techniques in animal husbandry, prevent the destruction of farms by nomads and their cattle, as well as reduce killings and herder-farmer clashes in the state.

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

After passing the Bill into Law, which took effect from Tuesday, September 14 Bassey directed the Clerk of the House, Mandu Umoren, to communicate the lawmakers’ decision to the governor.