MEMBERS of the Lagos State House of Assembly should be commended for their timely efforts in enacting the controversial anti-open grazing bill into law and obeying the voice of wisdom, reasoning of elders as well as the yearnings and aspirations of the entire people of the state.
Southern governors had resolved at a meeting held in Lagos recently on a September 1 ultimatum to all their state assemblies to enact anti-open grazing laws to checkmate the unabated killings, maiming, kidnapping of farmers, raping as well as destruction of farm produce by arm- wielding herdsmen in various parts of the southern states.
Since the resolutions were adopted, many of the states have passed the law, while others are yet to give effect to the governors’ decision but the Lagos State House of Assembly has shown its commitment to the anti-open grazing law and in one of its provisions has prescribed 21 years jail term to armed herders indulging in open grazing in any part of the state.
This is laudable because it is the only way to forestall impending hunger and economic downturn in the southern states while also putting to an end the incessant herders/ farmers clashes in the areas.
The Meyiti-Allah Cattle Breeders Association, few days ago, mocked the southern governors that they could not give effect to their September resolutions because according to the organisation, they would not speak with one voice. Consequently, all the southern governors should ensure the anti-open grazing law is passed to prove that they mean business and they could bark and bite.
Meanwhile, all state assemblies should also enact laws that will checkmate the nefarious activities of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in their states; the Lagos State government should lead this cause again and, as a matter of urgency, outlaw the illegal collection of fees by the NURTW which was put at a whooping N123 billion yearly.
The money should be channelled to develop other areas of the economy like completion of the Lagos-Badagry express road; solve the problem of drainage and flooding in the city and provide required infrastructures as well and jobs for the unemployed in the state.
Chief Adesunbo Onitiri, Lagos
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