The leader of the Myetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MCBAN) in the South Eeast, Gidado Siddiki, has appealed to Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, to suspend action on the enforcement of anti-open grazing law in the State.
Siddiki said on Monday that the due implementation of the law would affect its members’ source of survival, hinging the appeal to enable to enable the group educate its members on the issue.
Stating that majority of the Fulanis don’t know any other business than rearing cattle, the Miyetti Allah leader said: “Some of us were born and bred in this cattle business here in Anambra. We have no other place to go.
“The herders are aware that the state governor has flagged off massive tree planting exercise in 181 communities as part of measures to control gully erosion in the state. So, as law-abiding citizens, we have cautioned our members and equally urged them to protect trees in their host communities.
“Our members have remained committed to peaceful coexistence with their host communities in the state and the South East at large. We, therefore, call on stakeholders, including the media, to help us beg the governor, if possible, to rescind his decision on the ban.”
It would be recalled that during a meeting with members of Anambra Cattle Menace Committee at the Government House, Awka, last month, Soludo had ordered the ban on movement of cattle on foot in any part of the State.
Soludo, who said the ban was in compliance with the 2021 anti-open grazing law, adding that enforcement would begin from September, 2022.
Soludo said: “Though the law has been in existence almost one year ago, cattle rearers keep parading certain areas in the state in contravention to the law.”
Also, the immediate past Governor of the State, Willie Obiano, had assented to the Cattle and Other Livestock Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Bill of Anambra State in 2021, but failed to enforce the ban.
