The recent historic signing into law of the Open Grazing Prohibition Establishment Law, 2017 by the Benue state governor, Samuel Ortom has finally ended the skepticisms by some people across the state characterized by a general distrust of what the administration can do.
Since the passage of the Bill by the State House of Assembly, there were mounting doubts from different divides on whether the governor would surmount the capability to accent to it. The pundits heightened their thoughts of impossible perceptions just the same way they proclaimed that multiple versions of the Bill were presented to the State Assembly and nothing can come out of it with slogans that nothing positive can come out of it.
But finally, the signing of the profound and most important Bill into law by governor Ortom has brought together opposing critics and the cream of supporters of government to agree that there is need to trust his government.
The decision has further sealed the accord, ended bickering and silenced critics of the steps taken by the state government to address the prolonged menace by the Fulani herdsmen.
With the law now in place and awaiting implementation and full enforcement, Benue state leads the northern agrarian states to eliminate the archaic open cattle grazing, the obsolete practice that has been globally outlawed.
But to give credence to this, the signing of the bill into law should only be considered as just the beginning of the process and not a glory yet. The government must ensure the law is enforced. Its full implementation should not be compromised no matter the amount of pressure, distractions and outcry by the antagonists.
Expectedly, the herdsmen under the umbrella of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore through their president, Alhaji Abdullahi Bello and Secretary, Alhaji Saleh Alhassan have started organising protest campaign to oppose the bill.
They do not only kicked against the anti-open grazing law, but vowed to mobilise their members to resist its implementation, describing the law as “wicked,
obnoxious, repressive and a deliberate attempt to enslave them.”
Though, their outburst, considered as an affront to law has since been reported to top security authorities in state and at the headquarters in Abuja as well as the Presidency.
Shortly after the threat by the herdsmen, the Benue state Assembly wrote the Inspector General of Police, the Director General of the DSS, the Service Chiefs and other security operatives to effect immediate arrest of the leaders of the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore over treasonable statements but unfortunately, no arrest have been made.
It is however, hoped that the federal government would act fast to compliment the efforts by the state governor to end herdsmen clashes with farmers.
Also, the lawmakers in a letter signed by the speaker, Hon. Terkimbi Ikyange mandated Governor Samuel Ortom to lead a high-powered delegation, comprising all the Senators and members of the House of Representatives from the state, the Speaker of the state Assembly and other prominent indigenes of the state to meet President Muhammadu Buhari and brief him on the grievances of the state.
This is just as the state’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Lawrence Onoja Jnr, in a statement, entitled Anti-Open Grazing Law Has Come to Stay, described the Miyetti Allah’s stand as a threat to peace.
The Fulani who further claimed to be the original settlers or owners of the Benue trough have also vowed that they will not leave Benue or worst still, nothing, not even any law that can stop them from carrying out their nacreous activities in the state.
Their treats coming as the state governor, Samuel Ortom vows to implement the bill is really disturbing.
Stakeholders in the state must unite to expand and boost the support base to the government for its effective implementation.
Security agencies must be seen doing their beat in ensuring that violators are punished no matter how highly placed since no one is above the laws of the land.
Individuals and groups in and outside the state should also stand up against the sentiments and sculpeous statements by leaders of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore in the state as government is set to enforce it.
Already, Christians and Muslims in the State have staged a joint peaceful solidarity march to the Benue People\’s House, Makurdi in support of the Anti-Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law recently enacted by the Benue State Government.
In the address to the governor, CAN President, Benue State chapter, Rev. Akpen Leva, said they came to express solidarity with the Governor for initiating a law which would end mindless killings and invasion of Benue land by militant Fulani herdsmen.
He urged the full implementation of the law and arrest of leaders of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore for declare war on the state and threatening to mobilize rebellion against law and order in the state.
Also speaking, Chief Imam of Izalla Mosque, Gboko, Alhaji Bala Ibrahim, said Muslims were part of Benue and would always support any move aimed at securing the lives and property of Benue citizens.
Another group, OnTiv Professionals Association (OPA) Abuja has also thrown their weight behind governor to enforce the law without fear or favour.
OPA in a statement signed by its chairman, Engr. Benjamin Nyior and secretary general Dennis Mernyi also urged the governor not be perturbed by mounting campaigns and sentiments been expressed by herdsmen.
According to the statement, the association viewed the law as the best government policy and approach to end tackle the feud between the herdsmen in the state.
“The OnTiv Professionals Association, Abuja is in total support of the Benue state governor, Samuel Ortom for this brilliant and laudable approach to end Fulani herdsmen’s killings of innocent Benue people.
“With the law now in place as the only legitimate legal instrument to curb the menace, OPA urged the governor to take charge and ensure its full implementation.
Meanwhile, the governor has disclosed that the law will be enforced fully in November after the grace period of transition which is to end in October.
Ortom said that any herdsman, who was not comfortable with the law was free to leave the state and settle where open grazing of animals was not prohibited.
He further warned that anybody rearing livestock must put them in ranches, adding that the law was meant to protect both the farmers and animals.
The governor explained that ranching was not only meant for cattle but all livestock in order to prevent them from wandering into farmland
Dennis Mernyi is a Media Consultant, writes from Abuja. Can be reached onmernyidennis@yahoo.com
