Rotimi Akeredolu, governor of Ondo state, has signed the anti-open grazing bill into law.

Akeredolu signed the bill on Tuesday after it had been earlier passed by the state house of assembly.

The governor said the move is in line with the resolution of the southern governors that all states in the region should make a law prohibiting open grazing before September 1.

Akeredolu said the law is a welcome development that would prevent “needless instances of skirmishes” on the people of the state.

“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,” the governor said in a statement.

“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. For emphasis, no particular group of persons is the target.

“While it is the hope of the government that all residents would take an ample advantage of this Law to enhance our socio-economic well being in Ondo State, compliance of the 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.”

In May, governors of the southern region, in a meeting in Asaba, Delta state capital, resolved to ban open grazing and the movement of cattle by foot.

The decision of the governors stirred mixed reactions as some Nigerians commended them for the initiative, while some disagreed, including Abubakar Malami, attorney-general of the federation (AGF).

The Cable