Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State on Wednesday in Uyo signed into law a Bill to Prohibit Open Rearing and Grazing of Livestock and the Establishment of Ranches in the state.
Speaker of the House of Assembly, Aniekan Bassey, presented the Bill for the governor’s assent alongside the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Uko Udom (SAN),
The governor noted at the ceremony that the new law was no respecter of persons irrespective of status or caliber.
He instructed relevant authorities of government to ensure that the law was implemented and enforced to the letter.
He stressed that culprits must be brought to book accordingly.
He said the law would promote modern techniques in animal husbandry and prevent the destruction of farms by grazing cattle.
He said that the law would also reduce clashes and killings between herders and farmers in the state.
“It will also promote international best practices in livestock administration, regulation and control, among things,’’ he said.
The state’s legislature passed the Bill on Tuesday.
