Saturday, September 26, 2026

Rivers House of Assembly passes anti-open grazing bill into law

House members were divided on certain clauses of the bill, such as the one that allows a pathway for cattle in communities.

• August 17, 2021
Rivers House of Assembly
Rivers House of Assembly [Photo credit:Premium Times

The Rivers House of Assembly has passed the state prohibition of open rearing and grazing bill into law.

Peoples Gazette learnt the bill was passed into law on Tuesday, following a report by the committee chairman on Agriculture, Anslem Oguguo.

Local media reports that the committee report had 13 recommendations including that “no herder shall bear firearms.”

The Gazette learnt the house members were divided on certain clauses of the bill.

Michael Chinda, lawmaker representing Obio/Akpor constituency 2, frowned at the clause that allows a pathway for cattle in communities.

Mr Chinda argued that such a provision was capable of breaching peace between herders and residents, recommending that the provisions of the bill should be deleted.

Other lawmakers argued that the provision of the pathway for livestock should be granted as permission would be granted by supervising agencies.

The Gazette learnt 16 members voted in favour of the passage while Mr Chinda voted against it.

The house adjourned to Wednesday, September 1, 2021.

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

World

Al Jazeera kicks against Israeli PM Netanyahu’s ‘toxic’ media remark

It noted, “This rhetoric cannot be separated from the heavy toll borne by Al Jazeera’s journalists in Gaza.”

newly commissioned officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces

NationWide

Tinubu charges newly commissioned military officers to protect Nigerians

Mr Tinubu said the NDA had enhanced its counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency training.

Peter Fatomilola

Showbiz

Mr Macaroni paid me N1 million for featuring in movie scene, says veteran actor Fatomilola

Mr Fatomilola, in an interview with Africa List, hailed Mr Adedayo for his show of generosity during their encounters.

States

Troops rescue 14 victims freed in Katsina, nab three suspects with N2.7 million

Mr Danja stated that the suspects and the recovered items were in military custody for further investigation.

Heading 5

Federal CEOs appoint Akume patron, pledge 10 million votes for Tinubu

The forum chairman commended Mr Akume’s institutional stewardship, wisdom and experience.

States

Ondo security guard arraigned for stealing employer’s generators

The police said the suspect fled to Ogun State before he was arrested.