Assembly begins legislation on anti-open grazing bill

By Damian Duruiheoma, Enugu

A bill to ban open grazing in Enugu State yesterday passed first reading at the House of Assembly.

Presenting the bill, which will regulate cattle ranching in the state, the House Leader, Ikechukwu Ezeugwu, said it is for the security of lives and property.

The lawmaker, citing relevant sections of the House order, assured the citizens that the bill would pass through the procedures of lawmaking, including the public hearing stage.

Ezeugwu, who represents Udenu State Constituency, warned the media and the public against politicising the legislation, which was only presented and as such had not been deliberated on by the lawmakers.

He said politicising the bill would truncate the peace enjoyed by the residents.

Ezeugwu said: “Mr. Speaker and distinguished colleagues, I am going to move for the first reading of the bill, which is just mere mentioning of the bill. It has to do with security.

“So, while thanking members of the press, there is no speculation about bills, more especially when it has to do with security.”

Speaker Edward Ubosi urged his colleagues to go through the bill, to make contributions to the legislation that would boost security in the state.