The Governor of Akwa lbom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel has signed into Law a Bill to Prohibit Open Rearing and Grazing of Livestock and Provide for the Establishment of Ranches in Akwa Ibom State.

The Speaker, Rt Hon Aniekan Bassey with the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Uko Udom (SAN), presented the Bill for signing today at the State Executive Chambers, in the Governor’s Office, Uyo.

The Governor after signing the Bill into Law stated that the new Law is no respecter of persons irrespective of status or caliber.

He instructed relevant authorities of government to ensure that the bill is implemented and enforced to the letter with strict compliance, stressing that culprits must be brought to book accordingly.

The new Law will promote modern techniques in animal husbandry, prevent the destruction of farms by wandering Cattle, while reducing clashes and killings between herders and farmers in the state.

It will also promote international best practices in livestock administration, regulation and control in the state, among other things.

Recall that the House at yesterday’s plenary passed the Bill into Law, with Tuesday, September 14, 2021 as its commencement date and the Speaker, Rt Hon. Aniekan Bassey, immediately directed the Clerk of the House, Mrs Mandu Umoren to communicate the decision of the House to the the Governor for his assent.

Also at the Executive Chambers, the Speaker who was accompanied by Rt Hon Udo Kierian Akpan, the Leader of the House and Mrs Mandu Umoren, Clerk of the Assembly to the signing ceremony witnessed the inauguration of two Committees by the Governor.

The Committees are the Akwa Ibom State Gender Based Violence Management Committee, chaired by the First Lady, Mrs Martha Udom Emmanuel and Akwa Ibom State Road Safety Management Committee, chaired by the Deputy Governor, Mr Moses Ekpo