FG’s Insistence On Open Grazing Points To A Hidden Agenda – Benue Govt

• The Presidency had on Monday faulted the recent resolutions of the Southern Governors which included the ban on open grazing in the entire southern part of the country

Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom on Tuesday said the Federal Government’s insistence on open grazing suggests it has a hidden agenda.

Ortom, in a statement signed by spokesman Terver Akase, said the insistence on open grazing reserves was curious.

“We find the move not only shocking and curious but also as a misplaced priority,” the Ortom statement said.

Read also: Open Grazing Ban: Southern Governors Did Not Provide Any Solution – Presidency

“At a time the country is worried about the worsening security situation and many Nigerians are calling for national dialogue to address the fundamental issues that have led to the present state of affairs, the Federal Government considers the reopening of cattle grazing routes as the only solution available to it.”

The Governor faulted the Federal Government’s plan to commence rehabilitation work on grazing reserves in the country next month.

Ortom recalled that the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) had met on February 9 and agreed that the current system of herding mainly by open grazing is no longer sustainable, in view of the growing urbanisation and population of the country.

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While noting that the Forum consequently resolved to sensitize herders on the need to adopt ranching as the new method of animal husbandry, Ortom said the 17 Governors of Southern Nigeria also met on May 11 in Asaba and banned open grazing in the entire region.

The Southern Governors, the Benue leader added, adopted ranching as the alternative method of rearing animals.