Edo Govt denies banning open grazing

Edo State government on Monday said that the government is yet to ban open grazing in any part of the state, noting that the bill sent by Governor Godwin Obaseki to the State House of Assembly is still going through legislation.

Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Osarodion Ogie, in a statement on Monday in Benin City, clarified that members of the State House of Assembly are still working on the bill seeking to ban open grazing. Ogie stated that until the process is concluded, the anti-grazing bill is not yet a law. He encouraged concerned individuals and civil society groups to make their contributions before the bill is passed by the House of Assembly.

The statement reads in part: “The State’s Anti-Open Grazing Bill is still undergoing legislation at the Edo State House of Assembly and has not been passed into law neither is it a state policy.

“Members of the public who are concerned about parts of the bill can make input before its passage by the House.

“Civil society groups who are raising concerns about sections of the bill can constructively engage with the Assembly and not resort to acts that could cause a breakdown of law and order in the state.”

 The SSG maintained: “The law-making process is one that involves a comprehensive assessment of a bill before passage, and it is refreshing that the conversation on the bill is generating public interest, but this must not degenerate to civil disturbances capable of being hijacked by unscrupulous elements.

“We hereby call on all those who have reservations about sections of the bill to explore the statutory provisions of the law in making their contribution.”