Maduako Igbokwe l Monday, September 5, 2022
AWKA, Anambra, Nigeria – The Leadership of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MCBAN), South East zone, has appealed to governor of Anambra State Prof. Charles Soludo, not to enforce the ban on movement of cattle on foot in the state.
According to the Association, if the ban is enforced , it would affect members source of surviving in the state.
Soludo had , during a meeting with members of Anambra State Cattle Menace Committee at the Government House, Awka, on weekend, banned the movement of cattle on foot in every part of Anambra State.
Soludo, said the ban was in compliance with the 2021 anti-open grazing law of the State, adding that enforcement would begin from September, 2022.
According to him, now that they have a law banning open grazing, the law enforcement agents have been directed to implement it.
“Though the law has been in existence since almost one year ago, cattle rearers keep parading certain areas in the State in contravention to the law,” Soludo said. He added that his administration would ensure the implementation of the law by September.
He applauded members of the Anambra State Cattle Menace Committee for their devotion to duty, saying that Anambra people have largely lived in harmony with herdsmen, but the herdsmen must conduct their businesses within the ambit of extant laws.
The former governor of the State, Willie Obiano had assented to the Cattle and Other Livestock Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Bill of Anambra State in 2021, but failed to enforce the ban.
Reacting on the banning during their meeting held in Awka, on Monday, the leader of the association in the South-east zone, Gidado Siddiki, begged the governor to suspend the implementation at the moment to enable them educate their members the more, on how to go about it.
“Majority of us (Fulanis), don’t know any business more than rearing of cattles in this world. Some of us were born and breed in this rearing of cattle business here in Anambra state. We have no other place to go.
“The herders are aware that the state governor has flagged off massive tree planting exercise in the 181 communities as part of measures to control the spread of gully erosion in the state, and as law abiding citizens, we have caution all our members and equally urged them to protect the trees in their various host communities.
“Our members remain committed to peaceful coexistence with their host communities in the State and the South-east geopolitical zone at large.
“We therefore, called on concern stakeholders including the media to help us begged the governor, if possible, to revised his decision on the banned, Siddiki added. Leadership of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MCBAN), South East zone,
