By Olayiwola Rasheed Jebba Hamilton
Saturday, September 11, 2021.
As we all know that promising democratic system in the country could ever be realistic without the parliamentarians performing their functions and duties, which are considered as a catalyst towards protection of lives and properties of the Constituents which is the primary assignment of any government.
Earlier today, Saturday, September 11, 2021, Mrs Busola Kukoyi, the anchor of Saturday AM Live Programme on LTV8, host the Lagos State Chairman House Committee on Agriculture, Hon Kehinde Olaide Joseph and the Chairman, National Association of Butchers, Lagos State Chapter, Alhaji Kazeem Alabi as guests as they discussed the “Anti-Open Grazing Bill 2021” and issues of food security in Lagos.
Hon Kehinde Joseph commend the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Olushola Sanwo-Olu and the Speaker of Lagos State ninth (9th) House of Assembly, Rt. Hon (Dr) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, for building a robust Executive-Legislative correlation in Lagos and makes the welfarism of Lagosians their paramount priority.
He made it known to the Anchor, Mrs Busola Kukoyi that the Anti-Open Grazing Bill 2021 was passed in order to bring about peaceful coexistence, which will ensure protection of lives and properties in the State.
“The move 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 Lagos State,” he said.
Explaining the import of the bill, Kehinde said: “For emphasis, no particular group of persons is the target. While it’s the hope of the government that all residents would take ample advantage of this bill to enhance our socioeconomic well being in Lagos, compliance of same shall be given the utmost attention.
“Government shall pursue with vigor, through lawful means, to ensure strict compliance. In this regard, there won’t be destruction of farms, farm crops, community ponds, settlements and properties by open rearing and grazing of cattles.”
It will also “prevent killings, Sexual molestation and clashes between arable farmers and pastoralists, Herders and rustlers.
“Protect the environment from degradation and pollution caused by open rearing and grazing of cattles.
“Optimize the use of land resources in the face of overstretched land and increasing population.
“Prevent, control and manage the spread of animal diseases.
“Create a conducive environment for large scale crop production and reduce incidence of road accidents caused by open rearing and grazing of cattles”, he reiterated.
Furthermore, he make it known to Mrs Kukoyi that the bill will provides for ranches and any form of grazing outside permitted ranches is punishable as a criminal offense and upon conviction, such a person is “liable to a term of imprisonment without the option of fine as well as forfeiture of the herds of cattle or livestock under his or her control to the State Government.”
The bill also prohibits possession of firearms and going against this provision attracts a liable terms of imprisonment as well because the bill was for the “unity, security and peaceful coexistence among residents of Lagos State”, he stressed.
