Akwa Ibom state House of Assembly (AKHA) says it has commenced work on a bill for a law to prohibit open rearing and grazing of livestock and provide for the establishment of ranches and livestock administration, regulation and control and for other matters connected therewith which it says is still at the first reading stage. This was made known, Monday, September 13, at a public hearing organised by the Chairman, House Committee on Agriculture, which was held at the Assembly complex, Sir Udo Udoma Avenue, Uyo.

Declaring the public hearing open, the Hon. Speaker, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey represented by the House Leader and member, representing Oruk Anam state constituency, Sir Udo Kirian Akpan pointed out that the hearing is one of the most important hearings since the present 7th Assembly came on board, adding that it provides an avenue for livestock stakeholders to chart the way forward for open rearing and grazing, promote the production of healthy animal for consumption, guard against clashes between rearers and host communities and what should be done to regulate as well as guide the livestock farmers. He advised the stakeholders to abide by the resolution of the bill when passed to law.

Earlier in her remarks, the  Hon. commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Glory Edet, who appreciated the Governor, His Excellency, Mr. Udom Emmanuel for his passion and huge investments in the Agricultural sector of the state,  lauded the Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey-led 7th AKHA administration for its sterling leadership prowess as regards bill aimed at the promotion of Agriculture in the state and other bills. She noted that the objectives of the bill has captured the necessary areas. She added that the bill when passed into law will address the issues of conflict between crop farmers and cattle rearers, the mechanised way of managing a ranch and who is qualified to own a ranch and other important aspects affecting livestock farmers. While observing that the bill is important because it affects everyone directly or indirectly appealed to the participants to be unbiased when giving their inputs.

Also Speaking, the Chairman, House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources and Member, Ikono State Constituency, Honourable Asuquo Udoh stated that the bill seeks to manage the key issues of open rearing and grazing and also promote modern techniques of animal husbandry, promote jobs, investments and also reduce environmental pollution in the state. He urged the participants to feel free to make their submissions for the perfection of the bill.

Others who also spoke were, Barrister Godwin Umoh, Chairman AKHA Service Commission, Comrade Franklin Isong of the Civil Liberty Organisation of Nigeria, Professor Edet Udoh, Chairman, Technical Committee on Agriculture and Food Sufficiency and others.

Memoranda were received from the Chairman, Akwa Ibom state chapter of Cattle Dealers Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Muhammed, Chairman Arewa People's Assembly, Honourable Emmanuel Egbole and a representative of herdsmen resident in the state who jointly noted that the aim of their group is to foster the existing peace between headers, breeders and host communities.

They assured the committee that they will sensitize their group on the resolve of the bill to further promote the peace which the state is enjoying, stressing that no one is above the law.

Also at the event were, the member representing Etinan State Constituency, Rt. Honourable Dennis Akpan, Member Representing Essien Udim state constituency, Honourable Esse Umoh, Honourable Ifiok Udo, Member Nsit Ibom state constituency, Rt. Honourable Aniekan Uko, Member Ibesikpo/Asutan state constituency, Rt. Honourable David Lawrence, Member representing Eket state constituency, Honourable (Dr.) Charity Ido, Member, Ukanafun state constituency, Honourable KufreAbasi Edidem of Itu state constituency, Honourable Godwin Ekpo, Member for Ibiono Ibom state constituency, Member, Ini State Constituency, Rt. Honourable Emmanuel Bassey, Rt. Honourable Mark Esset, Member representing Nsit Atai state constituency, the Muslim community in Akwa Ibom , the Chairman of the State Central Abbatoir and other stakeholders in the livestock sector.