Akase Lauds Gov Ortom On Ranching Law Amendment, Describes It’s as timely and appropriate.
A hopeful Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship aspirant in Benue State, Mr. Terver Akase has commended Governor Samuel Ortom for the amendment of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of the State.
Speaking to journalists Thursday in Makurdi, the State Capital shortly after witnessing the Law signing ceremony at the Banquet Hall of the Benue Peoples House, Mr. Akase hailed Governor Ortom for assenting to the amended Law, saying its enforcement is non-negotiable as the legislation remains the only viable approach towards ending the herdsmen menace that has bedeviled the State.
He also lauded the Benue State House of Assembly for amending the Law, describing it as a timely and appropriate intervention and a lasting solution to the incessant attacks on Benue communities by marauding herdsmen.
Mr. Akase urged the Benue people to sustain their support to the State Government and security agencies to enable them to guarantee the safety of lives and property.
The PDP 2023 guber hopeful reiterated his commitment to upholding the enforcement of all laws that are meant for the security and development of the State when elected as Governor, pointing out that ranching of livestock is the only sustainable approach that could ensure peace and security between farmers and herders.
Read more: Benue 2023: NUJ-FRCN to host Ortom’s Ex-Media Aide, Terver Akase
He noted that the Law was a win-win situation for all the stakeholders involved and called for collaborative efforts towards ending the herdsmen carnage which has led to the displacement of 1.5 million people from their ancestral communities.
Governor Samuel Ortom had earlier stated that the amendment became necessary because the law had a lacuna.
The Governor said the amount charged as fine was too meager compared to the suffering open grazing had visited on the people, including Livestock Guards as well as other security agencies.
Speaker of the Benue State House Assembly, Rt Hon Titus Uba had earlier presented the amended Law for the Governor’s assent in a ceremony which had in attendance members of the State Executive and Security Councils.
Chief Judge of the State, Justice Andover Kaka’an, President, Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Cosmas Idye, Head of Service, Mrs. Veronica Onyeke amongst other top government officials also witnessed the ceremony.
